Suleiman: Shalit release talks progressing

CAIRO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman said Friday negotiations for the release of detained Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit were progressing.

Suleiman said a fresh round of negotiations were under way in Israel to facilitate a deal between Israeli and Palestinian officials that could result in the release of Shalit, who was captured by Palestinian militants in June 2006, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The intelligence official said Egypt has rejected an Israeli request that any prisoners released in exchange for Shalit's freedom be banished from the West Bank.

Israel has also cut off all deliveries of aluminum, cement and iron to Gaza until a deal can be reached for Shalit's release, Suleiman said. All three goods are integral parts of weapons manufacturing.

The Egyptian official said his country is hoping to help negotiate a truce between Israel and Hamas that would improve overall Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, the Post reported.