Ar-Ram, Qalandiya 20/5/2004 Watchers: Rama, Y., Mili M. (reporting) In general, a quiet morning. Ar-Ram. BP soldiers quite efficient, but routinely very very rude toward the Palestinians (not violent). We were not acknowledged openly, but when Rama approached two young detainees (as punishment for trying to overtake the CP and pass in the children’s lane) their blue IDs were immediately returned to them. Children passed without being checked and their passage was smooth and quick. Curiously, the registering of every ID started at about ten minutes after seven, when there was more traffic. Still, it went as quickly as was possible and the line was reasonable. Checking of vehicles was also quick, although passengers were asked to step down. It is quite amazing how possible it can be. Why isn’t always like that? Qalandiya. The vendors’ owners told us that earlier they had been asked to leave the “square” at the south side, although, as they proudly pointed out, they had cleaned it. It did look much cleaner than the lane by the CP, which is disgustingly filthy. Does the Mayor ever get to see this side of Jerusalem? Passage of pedestrians and vehicles was fluent.