The London-based pan-Arab newspaper al-Hayat reported that representatives
of Germany and the Red Cross mediated initial contacts between Israel and
Hizballah aimed at an agreement to end fighting in north and exchange
prisoners.
Hizballah refused to reveal details on welfare of hostages
According to the report, the contacts took place Wednesday and were intended
to set the stage for a prisoner exchange as part of the comprehensive
solution sought between the sides to end the fighting in Lebanon.
Lebanese sources reported that the contacts were still at initial stages and
that they were being carried out indirectly.