P282 282 YLE TEKSTI-TV 24.06. 2122:57    NEWS IN ENGLJSH Monday +j   Jsrael releases shi'ites Israel on Monday released 31 Lebanese, most of them shi'ite moslims at the Lebanese border. Israel and the US say the release was not in response to the holding of 40 American hostages by shi'ite hijackers in Beirut. Shi'ite leader Nabih Berri said Monday the hostages wonWt be freed until US warships pull back brom Ljbanon's coast. Sweden has confirmed that the US has asked it to mediate in the week-old hostage drama. Jtaly elects President 283 IVDEX 280