Annan agrees to mediate soldier release

[maddezmom]

JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia - U.N. chief Kofi Annan has agreed to mediate in efforts for the release of two abducted Israeli soldiers after requests from both Hezbollah and Israel, Annan's spokesman said Monday.

It would be the first time that Israel has publicly agreed to indirect contacts with the Lebanese guerrilla group over winning the release of the two soldiers, snatched in a cross-border raid on July 12.

Israel has insisted it wants an unconditional release of the soldiers, but Hezbollah has said it would only free them as part of a swap for Arab prisoners held by Israel.

The spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, would not comment on whether Annan's mediation would focus on proposals for a swap.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060904/ap_on_re_mi_ea/saudi_annan_1

[Igel]

1. Does this mean Jackson failed in his mission?

After all, the Red Cross failed even to get permission to see them.

[whosinpower]

2. This is what should of happened on day 1

And skip the war altogether.

War does not work.

[stepnw1f]

3. Cool

I hope he and Mr. Jackson are successful.

[Taoschick]

4. I find this odd

What is there to mediate? Hezbollah admitted invading Israel to kidnap the two soldiers. Kofi Annan's position should be to tell Hezbollah to hand them over immediately. Why on earth would the UN allow Hezbollah to set any conditions?