Cohen Statement on Release of Gilad Shalit

Statement

Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) -- a member of the Helsinki Commission -- today issued the following statement upon news of the upcoming release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier held captive since 2006 by Hamas. Egyptian authorities helped broker a deal that will reunite the soldier with his family in the near future. While in the Middle East in June on a fact-finding mission, Congressman Cohen met with Egyptian officials to urge them to help win the release of Corporal Shalit and move the peace process forward.

"I am so pleased Corporal Gilad Shalit is being released. I am happy for him, his family and all the people of Israel," said Congressman Cohen. "On my recent trip to Israel, the West Bank and Egypt, I spent a great deal of time imploring Egyptian leaders to use their influence to urge Hamas to free Corporal Shalit from his lengthy captivity. Peace in the Middle East is indeed possible. It is my hope that freeing Gilad Shalit and the Palestinian prisoners will help invigorate the Middle East peace process and hopefully bring long sought goodwill to the negotiating table. It is important that Israel and Palestine work together with sincerity and mutual understanding as they negotiate a lasting peace that will bring safety and security to the region. This prisoner exchange will provide Israel and Palestine with the impetus they need to form the lasting peace they and the world have been craving for so long."

Congressman Cohen was encouraged to visit the Middle East by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-8), who appointed him to the Helsinki Commission. While in Egypt, the Congressman met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Elaraby, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Amr Moussa, Acting president Mohamed Tantawi, and Prime Minister Essam Sharaf.

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