World IN BRIEF : ISRAEL : 7 Soldiers Sought in Hostage Swap

Israel said it is willing to release the Lebanese prisoners it holds for the Western hostages in Lebanon--if Israel’s seven missing soldiers are included in the deal. The announcement came one day after Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati called for the release of the 11 Western hostages in Lebanon “as soon as possible,” along with prisoners held by Israel. Dan Naveh, spokesman for Defense Minister Moshe Arens, urged those holding the Westerners and Israeli soldiers to “allow the Red Cross to see them and to start negotiations for their immediate release.”