Netanyahu meets Mubarak in Cairo

Cairo, 29 Dec-(ANA)-Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak are due to meet in Cairo, to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

The Palestinians refuse to restart negotiations unless Israel stops all building in West Bank settlements.

A former Israeli peace negotiator has said Israel and the US are close to agreeing principles for the talks.

The visit comes as Egypt is trying to negotiate the release of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

A recent flurry of activity has prompted speculations that progress is being made on attempts to reach a prisoner swap deal.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic movement which controls Gaza, wants Israel to release hundreds of its prisoners in exchange for Sgt Shalit's freedom. (ANA)

FA/ANA/29 December 2009---