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Israel-Hamas Prisoner Swap May Be Imminent

But German FM tight-lipped on deal to free Gilad Shalit

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 24, 2009 9:43 AM CST

(Newser) – German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle won’t say a word about the maybe-impending deal to free Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, afraid to jinx the proceedings. Westerwelle met with counterpart Avigdor Lieberman in Israel today, in part to discuss the prisoner swap, which German officials are brokering in Cairo. Reports are flying that the sides are close to a deal, but Lieberman also refused to discuss it, professing not to know all the details.

The pair also discussed Iran, with Westerwelle saying that Germany supported Israel on the matter, having just about run out of patience on Tehran’s nuclear program. He said Berlin would consider aggravated sanctions. He also urged Israel to resume talks with the Palestinians and move toward a two-state solution.

A boy sits on his father shoulders, in front of a photo of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, as they attend a demonstration calling for his release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, July 22, 2008.
A boy sits on his father shoulders, in front of a photo of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, as they attend a demonstration calling for his release, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, July 22, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, left, shakes hands with Israel's President Shimon Peres, during their meeting at the president's residence in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, left, shakes hands with Israel's President Shimon Peres, during their meeting at the president's residence in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009.   (AP Photos/Dan Balilty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Pragmaticrealism
Nov 24, 2009 11:55 AM CST
"He also urged Israel to resume talks with the Palestinians and move toward a two-state solution." Rrright. Not at this rate. Hopefully there is a real, strong, lasting push for peace and reason in Israel, very soon.
serfinWI
Nov 24, 2009 7:01 AM CST
Now there will be peace, at last!
bahari@bellsouth.net
Nov 24, 2009 6:11 AM CST
I really do hope that this come to pass.

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