Israel's Olmert approves arms shipment for Abbas

LONDON, June 13 (Reuters) Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has approved a shipment of weapons and ammunition to bolster security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, an Olmert aide said today.

Israel's decision comes amid an increasingly violent power struggle between President Abbas and Hamas Islamists, who took control of the Palestinian Authority in March after winning parliamentary elections.

''He approved the delivery of a certain amount of weaponry to Abu Mazen's (Abbas's) presidential guard in order to bolster him so he can fulfil his obligations,'' the aide said as Olmert wrapped up a visit to Britain.

Mr Olmert approved the shipment yesterday, the aide said, declining to offer further details.

Palestinian officials and Western diplomats have said Egypt and Jordan would provide weapons, ammunition and training to Abbas's presidential guard.

''I could have postponed this but I did this in order to help Abu Mazen against Hamas, because we don't have any time,'' Mr Olmert told members of the British parliament during a visit to London, according to Ynet, an Israeli news website.

Reuters SHB GC2049