Barak speaks with Egypt's military leader about Shalit, peace accord

Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Mohamed Tantawi, the head of Egypt's Higher Military Council, have agreed that preserving the peace accord between Israel and Egypt is of great importance – a central pillar of stability in the region.

Barak's office said that the two discussed a variety of issues in a phone conversation, including the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit and the protection of the calm in the border regions. It was also stated that Barak has expressed his esteem for Tantawi's leadership. (Attila Somfalvi)