Region | Lebanon
Israel frees Lebanese man as Hezbollah releases soldier remains
Israel releases a Lebanese man jailed on charges of spying for Hezbollah, while the Lebanese group releases the remains of Israeli soldiers killed in the July war.
- Agencies
- Published: 14:18 June 1, 2008
Naqoura: Israel on Sunday let go of a Lebanese man who had completed a jail term on charges of spying for Hezbollah.
Nissim Nasser, released after a six-year jail term, was greeted by Hezbollah officials in the southern village of Naqoura, where the group unexpectedly announced the release of the remains of soldiers killed in its 2006 war with Israel.
It was not immediately clear whether the sides had struck a deal to secure the exchange. Lebanese political sources said last Monday that indirect talks between Israel and Hezbollah over a broader prisoner exchange had made major progress.
Hezbollah security official Wafik Safa said upon Nasser's arrival, "We today are handing over some of the remains of a number of Israeli soldiers who were killed in the July war and who the Israeli army left in Lebanon."
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a speech last week, reiterated his vow that all Lebanese prisoners, including the long-held Samir Qantar, would be released soon.
Israel holds about 10 Lebanese, including Qantar, widely seen as key to any deal with Hezbollah on returning the two soldiers. Hezbollah has refused to say whether the two men are dead or alive.
Hezbollah fighters, supporters and officials gathered in the southern village of Naqoura for a rally to welcome him home.
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