Remains of 185 militants return to Lebanon following prisoner swap

2008-07-17 18:05:40 [ Big Normal Small ]    　Comment

BEIRUT, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The remains of 185 Palestinian and Arab fighters were returned to Lebanon through Naqoura border point Thursday morning following an Israel-Hezbollah prisoner swap started on Wednesday, local Al-Manar TV reported.

The remains were carried to the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Thursday in a triumphal convoy.

The UN-sponsored swap deal between Israel and Hezbollah started on Wednesday morning, when Israel received in black coffins the remains of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah on July 12, 2006.

Israel in return released four Hezbollah fighters captured during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, along with Samir Kuntar who was jailed in Israel since 1979 for murdering three family members and a police officer.

In addition to the prisoners, Israel also handed over on Wednesday the remains of eight Hezbollah fighters and four Palestinian guerillas.

Lebanese celebrated the swap Wednesday during an official ceremony which gathered all top leaders in the country.

A parade was staged at the southern suburbs of Beirut where Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah addressed the crowds after a rare appearance to welcome the prisoners.

Related: