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

DATE: FRIDAY, February 14, 1992                   TAG: 9202140447
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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ISRAEL'S ROLE KEY TO FREEING HOSTAGES

PRESIDENT Bush thanked Syria and Iran for liberating the hostages. This gratitude is entirely misplaced because:

The terrorists kidnapped and held the hostages under the backing of these countries. Either of these states could have effected the hostages' release.

If it had not been to Syria's and Iran's advantage, they would not have ordered the release.

Had Israel not cooperated and freed some of her terrorist prisoners, the hostages' release would not have been achieved.

Neither the president, nor any of the hostages, nor anyone in the media acknowledged Israel's role. Absolutely nobody thanked Israel for having been the main agency to gain the hostages' freedom. ALVIN W. FINESTONE CLIFTON FORGE

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