Palestinian day X approaches

The EU observers are concerned about the security situation during the Jan. 25 parliamentary election, but assured Wednesday they have contingency evacuation plans if the situation gets out of control.

Palestinian armed groups wreaked havoc in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks, demanding jobs and finally calling for the postponement of the Palestinian elections.

In the run up to the election, militants have threatened to continue kidnapping foreigners and urged EU observers to leave the northern West Bank town of Jenin.

Palestinian Interior Minister Nasser Yousef told Cabinet on Sunday he won't be able to secure polling stations.

Mathias Eick, spokesman for the EU's 186-member election observer mission, said his mission is coordinating with security commanders, the AP reports.

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