We knew that on Sundays and Wednesdays, they came and took the Shiite prisoners.

Israel has proposed exchanging Sheik Obeid and about 150 Shiite Muslim prisoners for Westerners and the three Israeli soldiers held in Lebanon.

Israel has since tied the cleric's release into a broader proposal for an exchange of the Western hostages, as well as the three soliders, for Shiite prisoners it holds.

The remaining 39 passengers and crew remain on the plane until June 30, when Israel agrees to free 700 Shiite prisoners.

The captors of Western hostages held in Lebanon are demanding that Israel release Palestinian and Shiite Muslim prisoners before any more hostages are freed.

Mr. Vaezi added that Britain had agreed to try to bring about the release of some Shiite Muslim prisoners held by Israel.

Israel still holds Shiite prisoners, and two Germans remain in captivity.

The Islamic Holy War organization, which says it is holding Mr. Anderson, has linked his fate to that of Shiite prisoners in Kuwait.

Eventually, most of the Shiite prisoners were freed, although Israel steadfastly denied there was any connection with the prior liberation of the 39 Americans.

The Israeli Government had offered to exchange Sheik Obeid and 150 Shiite prisoners for three Israeli servicemen held in Lebanon and Western hostages.