US tells Israel: Pollard's release is still on the table
Indyk tells sides if deal reached, US will consider releasing Israeli agent; sources confirm that Israel offered deal for extending talks, which includes releasing prisoners in exchange for freezing unilateral moves.
Sources in Jerusalem confirmed Thursday that Israel has presented the Palestinians with a new package aimed at extending peace talks, and the US has not taken the possible release of Israeli agent Jonathan Pollard off of the table.
A diplomatic source said that "if the Palestinian Authority agrees to stop its plans to join a number of international treaties and conventions, Israel will agree to a new prisoner release package in return for the continuation of negotiations until the end of the year at a minimum."
According to the source, the Palestinians expressed willingness to consider the compromise offer put on the table by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.
The emerging deal will allow both sides to "come down from the tree" and appear publicly as if they did not compromise on their positions.
http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/US-tells-Israel-Pollards-release-is-still-on-the-table-348192
