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April 22, 2005/Nisan 13 5765, Volume 57, No. 34
Israeli ambassador to visit Pollard
MATTHEW E. BERGER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
WASHINGTON - Arrangements are being worked out for Israel's ambassador to the United States to meet with Jonathan Pollard at his North Carolina prison in the next few weeks.
Daniel Ayalon will meet with Pollard at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who called for the meeting during his talks last week in the United States. An Israeli official in Washington says Sharon informed the Bush administration that Ayalon would meet the former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst and convicted Israeli spy at the Butner Correctional Institution.
"The goals are to check on his situation, see how his conditions are and give him a message of concern from the government of Israel," the official said, on condition of anonymity.
Pollard was sentenced to life in prison in 1987, after pleading guilty to spying for Israel.
The Israeli newspaper Yediot Achronot reported April 15 that Israeli sources "hinted" that President Bush would pardon and release Pollard in exchange for Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
JTA Washington Bureau Chief Ron Kampeas contributed to this report.
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