Speaking on PBS Television The Charley Rose Show during his current visit in the United States, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stated his country almost had Gilad Shalit released, but new demands by Israel and the interference of ‘outside parties’ changed the course of events.

Interestingly, he labeled Shalit “our prisoner” in the televised interview held on the eve of his White House meeting with US President Barak Obama.

The Egyptian leader acknowledged the German Government is also playing a role, calling on Israel to free the prisoners appearing on Hamas’ list to bring an end to the captive prisoner negotiations.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)