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    October 22, 2011

Egypt, Israel Near Agreement on Prisoner Swap


   Egypt and Israel are close to an agreement on a prisoner swap that
   would result in the release of Ilan Grapel, an Israel-American who has
   been detained in Egypt since June.
   Egypt's state-run MENA news agency said Saturday that officials with
   both countries were putting the "final touches" on a plan for Grapel to
   be freed in exchange for about 16 Egyptian prisoners and three children
   held in Israel.
   Other Middle East news organizations say a larger number of Egyptians
   could be freed.
   Egyptian authorities have charged Grapel of spying for Israel. They
   have accused him of working for Israel's Mossad spy agency - a charge
   Israel has denied.

   Earlier this month, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called for
   Grapel's freedom during a meeting with Egyptian leaders in Cairo.

   Some information for this report was provided by AFP Reuters.
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References

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