A deal to free kidnapped Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov in exchange for an Iranian detainee and six others held in Iraq will be carried out in around a week, Iraqi TV channel Al Rabiaa reported on Saturday.
Ms Tsurkov, a doctoral student at Princeton University, was kidnapped in Baghdad in March 2023.
No one has claimed responsibility for her abduction, but Israel accused Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah of holding her. The Iran-backed armed faction has implied it was not involved.
According to the report, Ms Tsurkov will be released in exchange for an Iranian and six others held in Iraq over “attacks on American interests”.
Earlier, the Saudi Al Hadath TV network reported, citing Iraqi sources, that “significant efforts” were under way to secure her release.
The deal depends on US approval, senior Iraqi security officials told AFP, as it would involve the freeing of an Iranian prisoner jailed in Iraq for the killing of an American civilian.
Iraq has been working to resolve the issue, said a senior security source.
“The Americans have not yet agreed to one of the conditions, which is the release of the Iranian who is being held for killing an American citizen,” one official told AFP.
Iraq is both a significant ally of Iran and a strategic partner of the US, and has for years negotiated a delicate balancing act between the two foes.
Israeli news site Ynet reported: “Israel has requested assistance from the US and additional countries” on the matter.
Ms Tsurkov, who is likely to have entered Iraq on her Russian passport, travelled to the country as part of her doctoral studies.
Security and diplomatic sources have told AFP they do not rule out the possibility that she may have been taken to Iran.
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Madjani Stakes Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,400m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 2,200m
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,400m
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
RACE CARD
6.30pm Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.40pm Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m
8.15pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
9.25pm Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m
The UAE squad for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
The jiu-jitsu men’s team: Faisal Al Ketbi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Yahia Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Obaid Al Nuaimi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Mansoori, Saeed Al Mazroui, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Salem Al Suwaidi, Khalfan Belhol, Saood Al Hammadi.
Women’s team: Mouza Al Shamsi, Wadeema Al Yafei, Reem Al Hashmi, Mahra Al Hanaei, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Hessa Thani, Salwa Al Ali.
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FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
