Abbas says framework deal reached on freeing captured soldier Shalit

[Eugene]

Source: Haaretz

Last update - 01:51 23/03/2007
Abbas says framework deal reached on freeing captured soldier Shalit
By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent and staff

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas told Channel 1 on Thursday
that a framework agreement has been reached on a prisoner swap involving
captured Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit.

Abbas said the sides still need to work out the details of the agreement.
"We agreed recently on a framework with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to
solve the problem of Shalit, in agreement with the Egyptians, and this
process is happening quickly," Abbas said. "I hope his release will come
quickly. I believe now it is accepted and everybody is working toward
that."

Palestinian Information Minister Mustafa Barghouti, who is also the
government's spokesman, was optimistic about Shalit's release. Barghouti,
who met earlier this week with Haaretz journalists, said on Thursday that
Hamas has put through a new initiative via Egypt, and that it depended
on Israel's response. "If Israel accepts, I think it can be resolved,"
he said.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/840998.html

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Source: Associated Press

Palestinians: Deal Reached Over Soldier

The Associated Press
Thursday, March 22, 2007; 6:32 PM

JERUSALEM -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday
that a deal has been reached to free a captured Israeli soldier, but
details still have to be worked out.

Abbas said in an interview with Israel TV that "we agreed recently on
a framework" for freeing the soldier "in agreement with the Egyptians,
and this process is happening quickly."

Israeli officials had no immediate comment.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/22/AR2007032201554.html