Israel is acting to enable the South Lebanese Army (SLA) veterans to return to their land, MK Ayoub Kara (Likud) told Haaretz yesterday.

Kara said he has been in contact with Lebanese officials, such as exiled General Michel Aoun, and foreign officials, in an effort to include SLA veterans in the pardon legislation the Lebanese parliament is working on.

The legislation will enable the release from prison of Samir Jaja, the leader of the Lebanese forces, and Hezbollah activists incarcerated for attacking Lebanese soldiers.

The new conciliatory atmosphere in Lebanon will also enable General Aoun's return from his 15-year exile in Paris. Aoun is expected to return to Beirut on Saturday.

"If they're going to pardon people from the entire political spectrum in Lebanon, then they must also pardon SLA veterans," said Kara, who is the head of the SLA veterans' lobby in the Knesset.

The Lebanese public and Arab media usually slam Arab figures who are reported to be in contact with Israel. However, senior figures throughout the Arab world maintain ties with Israel, either directly or indirectly.

Kara said yesterday that he was holding direct talks with Aoun. A Christian-Maronite clergyman serves as a contact between Israeli and Lebanese officials.

Kara is due to meet the United States ambassador to Israel, Daniel Kurtzer, to ask for American pressure to advance the pardon for SLA veterans. Kara also discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin's aides and European officials. They all promised to help.

Some 4,000 SLA veterans and their families live in Israel. About six months ago they received full Israeli citizenship. Many of them wish to return to Lebanon, but fear they would be put on trial if they do.

Since the IDF's pullout from Lebanon in 2000, some 3,000 SLA soldiers returned to Lebanon. Some were tried and sent to prison for a few months. Many of those who opted to stay in Israel were officers of higher rank, who feared graver penalties should they return.