Rihan

Rihan, Wednesday, January 26, 2005, PMObservers: Ziva H., Nava R. (reporting)13:30 - 15:30Except for five detainees, all go through the checkpoint at a reasonable pace. Those five are residents of the West Bank. According to them, they own olive orchards near East Barta'a -- the seam line zone, and they wish to cross the gate to their lands. At first they wanted to go through the gate in Baka, but were told to cross through the Rihan checkpoint. Following a conversation with the CP commander, and clarifications, the latter agreed for them to cross the following day, in the morning. They all left the site.One person who was denied passage said that he lived in the village of Kapeen, and that he is married to a woman from Barta'a who resides there. He wishes to join her. The District Coordination Office (DCO) is familiar with this man and his problem; nonetheless, they do not let him enter the seam line area, claiming: "She should move to Kapeen."Aside from the above mentioned cases, all the rest were handled reasonably. The commander was courteous to those who turned to him, and the atmosphere was positive.