Israel frees 9 Jordanian prisoners in gesture of goodwill
By: Israel Insider staff and partners
Published: April 21, 2005
Following the Israeli Cabinet's unanimous approval of the release of nine Jordanian prisoners on Sunday, seven of the ex-convicts -- who had been serving prison terms ranging from four to eight years for offenses including possessing weapons, inciting public disorder, and using firearms against Israeli soldiers during protests in the Palestinian territories -- today returned to Jordan; the other two decided to remain in the West Bank.
The release of the nine is the culmination of months of negotiations with Israel, which is bound by a peace treaty concluded with Jordan in 1994.
At least 15 other Jordanians -- who have all been accused of direct involvement in attacks against Israel -- remain in Israeli jails. According to Jordaninan Foreign Ministry spokesman Rajab Sukayri, Jordan will continue to negotiate with Israel about their release.
Israel says it refuses to release at least four of them, who have been convicted of killing Israelis.
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