Israel Matzav

Contacts reported between Israel and Hezbullah over hostages

Al-Hayat is reporting that the German government and the Red Cross are mediating contacts between the Israeli government and Hezbullah over kidnapped IDF soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. According to the paper the contacts took place on Wednesday and are intended to be the first step in negotiating a 'prisoner exchange' as part of an overall cease fire between Israel and Hezbullah.

The contacts did not relate to specific details of an agreement, but rather just the general principles.

During the course of the contacts, Hezullah refused to give out any information regarding the welfare of the two captive soldiers, who have not been heard from since they were kidnapped on July 12.

Lebanese sources reported that the Hezbullah leadership was displeased with the declaration a few days ago by Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh, that the two soldiers were alive and in good health.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:52 PM