16/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - Benita Ferrero-Waldner, External Relations Commissioner, welcomed the exchange of prisoners and human remains that took place on Wednesday 16 July between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah. The swap, negotiated by Germany and achieved with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at the Israeli-Lebanese border, allowed Israel to recover the remains of two soldiers taken prisoner in 2006. Israel, on the other hand, handed over to the ICRC the remains of twelve Hezbollah and Palestinian fighters, as well as live prisoners. Ms Ferrero-Waldner said the exchange of prisoners was a “positive step taken by both sides”. “Today's exchange is also a step towards the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 and therefore contributes to regional stability”, the commissioner says in a declaration published on Wednesday. (H.B./transl.jl)