Palestinian prisoners free as part of deal
RAMALLAH, West Bank – Israel freed 26 Palestinian prisoners early Wednesday, the second of four batches to be released as part of a deal that set in motion the current Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
The decision to release the 26 has triggered anguish and anger in Israel, where many view the men as terrorists who have committed grisly crimes against Israelis.
But jubilant celebrations erupted in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, where the prisoners are seen as heroes who fought for independence, and were received by their families and Palestinian leaders.
U.N., Iran call talks ‘very productive’
VIENNA – U.N. efforts to investigate suspicions that Iran has worked on nuclear arms appeared to gain traction Tuesday, with both sides speaking of “very productive” talks after nearly two years of deadlock and agreeing to meet again Nov. 11 in Tehran.
Negotiators for Iran and the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency refused to go into details. But their expressions of optimism and agreement not only to meet again but also to do that in Tehran pointed toward forward movement.
Their decision to issue a joint statement, instead of their usual practice of speaking to reporters separately, was seen as a sign of progress.
Associated Press
