Hamas: Meshal in Cairo to discuss Shalit deal

             Hamas leader-in-exile Khaled Meshal is in Cairo to discuss a prisoner exchange deal for the release of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, a spokesman for the Islamist group said on Saturday. Mashaal arrived in Cairo on Saturday, where he will meet Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman. Spokesman Ayman Taha said Meshal will also discuss restarting Palestinian r econciliation talks. Negotiations to release Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails in exchange for Shalit have fizzled since he was seized in a cross-border raid from the Gaza Strip in 2006. But in recent weeks, German mediators have become involved, reviving the talks. Still, both sides have dampened expectations of a quick deal. Saudi daily Al-Watan reported on Friday that Meshal intended to use the visit to approve the clauses of the prisoner swap deal and sign off on a final draft. He is being accompanied by other senior Hamas officials from Gaza and Damascus during his visit to Egypt, Al-Watan reported. (14,44)