1.   But the U.S. government will not pay ransom, release prisoners or change policies, the official said.

2.   The Palestinians have demanded that Israel release prisoners suspected of anti-Israeli violence and political activity, while the Israelis have insisted on freeing mostly common criminals.

3.   But rebel leaders said they would attend only if both sides of the conflict are represented and if Kabila releases political prisoners.

4.   It said trade missions and ministerial visits to China should be postponed until China releases key political prisoners and makes other major human rights improvements.

5.   Jiang has refused to bow to U.S. pressure that China release political prisoners as a goodwill gesture to improve relations.

6.   On Tuesday, the Palestinian parliament speaker, Ahmed Qureia, said the Palestinian leadership supported protesters demanding Israel release prisoners.

7.   The United States has also insisted that Baghdad dismantle its weapons program, release political prisoners and return property seized from Kuwait.

8.   The pact also provides for self-rule elections and the release Palestinian prisoners.

9.   The kidnappers demanded the United States release Pakistani prisoners caught while fighting with the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, but Washington refused to negotiate.

10.   The kidnappers demanded the United States release Pakistani prisoners caught while fsent to the US consulate in Karachi in February but his body has never been found.