What does the visit of the president of the United States have to do with the release of terrorists from prison? Well according to PA reports a great deal, explaining master terrorist Marwan Barghouti and PFLP terrorist Ahmed Sa’adat will be released when US President Barak Obama arrives in Israel on March 20, 2013.

The daily Maariv reports US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro phoned Abu Mazen, promising him Israel will release 550 terrorists as a good will gesture coinciding with the presidential visit. Shapira reportedly promised among the first to be released with be PFLP director Sa’adat and Fatah Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti. Interestingly, back in 2010, the London-based al-Hayat reported America opposed their release, at that time included in Hamas demands for prisoner releases.

Barghouti’s wife has been using her Facebook page to confirm the reports, stating behind the stage talks are taking place to arrange for his release. Barghouti is serving five life sentences for his involvement in heinous acts of terror. Sa’adat is serving his sentence for his involvement in the assassination of Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze’evi HY”D.

Senior advisors to Abu Mazen denied the reports in interviews on Radio Palestine, stressing Abu Mazen is working to obtain their release but at present, no such deal has been made.

PA Ministry of Prisoner Affairs official Ziad Abu Ein calls on the international community to pressure Israel to release prisoners imprisoned prior to the Oslo Agreement of 1993. He says Israel has committed to their release but has yet fulfilled this commitment.

On Sunday 7 Adar 5773 it was reported the presidential visit will last for 48 hours, of which part of the time Mr. Obama will spend in Ramallah.

In a prisoner related matter, PalWatch reported that 4,000 former prisoners receive full monthly salaries from the PA.

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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)