Sarkozy, Merkel Call for Gilad Shalit’s Release

By Amos Harel (Haaretz) June 17, 2011

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy issued a joint call Friday for the release of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit as part of a deal with Hamas.

Merkel and Sarkozy have each called for Shalit’s release in the past, but this marks the first time the two European leaders issued a joint call on the matter, which was an unusual move at a meeting meant to discuss the urgent Greece debt crisis.

The comments come eight days before the fifth anniversary of Gilad Shalit’s abduction.

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