White House lauds prisoner release

PITTSBURGH, July 28 (UPI) -- Word that Israel is releasing 500 Islamic prisoners drew words of praise from the White House Monday.

In Pittsburgh, press secretary Scott McClellan said "we welcome steps like this" as part of the U.S.-brokered roadmap to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Asked about concerns that some of those released have Islamic Jihad connections, McClellan referred to last week's meeting in Washington between Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and President George Bush.

Bush said then prisoner release needed to be done "on a case-by-case basis" because "no one would want anyone released who had blood on their hands."

Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon arrives in Washington to discuss progress and setbacks with Bush.