Egyptian intelligence minister: Ceasefire close, awaits Barak's go ahead

Egyptian Intelligence Minister Omar Suleiman met with MK Yossi Beilin (Meretz-Yahad) Sunday and reportedly told him that a ceasefire between Hamas an Israel can be declared as soon as Defense Minister Ehud Barak green lights it – even on Monday.

"If Israel would have agreed to Hamas' prisoners' release demand we could have included Gilad Shalit in the deal," said Suleiman, "but since Israel rejected most of the names on the list, we will have to renew the talks as soon as the ceasefire comes into effect." (Amnon Meranda)