Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Egypt demands Hamas release Israeli soldier

From Ynet News, 26/9/06, by Associated Press ...

In 'strongly worded' letter addressed to Hamas politburo head Khaled Mashaal, Egypt's Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman demands that Hamas Gilad Shalit at once, form unity government with President Abbas

Egypt has demanded that Hamas immediately release captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to avoid a worsening crisis in the violence-battered Gaza Strip.... The Egyptian demand came in a "strongly worded letter" From Egypt's powerful intelligence chief Omar Suleiman to the Syrian-based Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal.....

The letter also demanded Hamas cooperate fully with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in forming a national unity government, a step that has been stalled by the group's refusal to form an administration that recognizes Israel.

The message reflected increasing impatience with Hamas by Egypt, which has been mediating for months, trying to reach a deal on a prisoner swap for the release of Shalit, who is being held by Hamas-allied terrorists in Gaza..... Suleiman's letter was "strongly worded."

....Egypt told Abbas that it will press ahead with its effort to solve the standoff over the Israeli soldier.

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