ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 18, 1990                   TAG: 9005180206
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: JERUSALEM                                LENGTH: Short

ISRAEL DEMANDS PROOF OF BODIES BEFORE SWAP

An Israeli defense official said Thursday that Israel is seeking proof a Lebanese Shiite militia is holding the bodies of two Israeli soldiers before considering swapping Moslem prisoners for the remains.

Such an exchange with the mainstream Amal militia could encourage more releases of Western hostages held in Lebanon by pro-Iranian radicals. There are now 16 Western hostages, including six Americans.

After two U.S. hostages were freed last month, Iran and allied groups in Lebanon demanded a goodwill gesture, such as the release of prisoners held by the Israel-backed South Lebanon Army.

- Associated Press 


 by CNB