Trying to build on a cease-fire in Lebanon, Jackson, an experienced
Jackson began his effort with a telephone conversation with Daniel Ayalon, the Israeli ambassador, appealing to his government to consider "some exchange of prisoners" as a goodwill gesture "if there is movement on the two abducted Israelis," Jackson said. He then called on Syrian Ambassador Iyad Moustapha, whose government has strong ties to the Hezbollah militia. "I asked him to make an appeal to his president, Bashar Assad, on a humanitarian basis to appeal to whoever is appropriate, maybe Hezbollah, to seek the whereabouts and grant the release of the two Israeli soldiers," Jackson said. "He was positive and said he would convey the message," Jackson said. Although Jackson said he couldn't find out about the health of the prisoners, he said he had the impression they were "all right."
Jackson said he and other religious leaders would go to Syria "if we had the notion we could gain the release of prisoners on both sides. ... Such an effort would not be in conflict with our present policies because it would be humanitarian."
| And remember, death is not an option: Jesse Jackson or Carla del Ponte? Discuss. |