Turkey entering talks for Shalit's release

ANKARA, Turkey, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Turkish officials are in the Middle East reportedly engaging in talks aimed at securing the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Hurriyet reported Friday that a Turkish delegation plans on having talks with Hamas officials regarding the soldier, who was captured in 2006 by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

The talks involving the Turkish delegation are expected to be completed as early as next Tuesday.

Tuesday also marks the day Israel is to have general elections and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said privately he wants to secure Shalit's freedom before leaving office, Hurriyet reported.

Shalit's capture during a cross border raid marked the first time since 1994 that an Israeli soldier was captured by Palestinian militants.