The Israeli government will soonissue a statement to allow Palestinian residents in East Jerusalemto vote in the Jan. 9 presidential election, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, Erekat said the Israeli side will promisenot to attack employees of the Palestinian Central ElectionsCommittee working in the disputed city.

As soon as Israel issues the statement, some 2,000 electioncommittee staff will start to register voters in East Jerusalem, hesaid.

Over a month ago, the Israeli government closed all theregistration centers in East Jerusalem, according to Erekat. He also said about 10,000 East Jerusalem Palestinians will casttheir votes in polling stations across the city.