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| By: Associated Press |
| Published: August 23, 2006 |
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A previously unheard of Palestinian group released video footage on Wednesday showing two kidnapped Fox News journalists and demanded Muslim prisoners in U.S. jails be released within 72 hours in exchange for the men, a Palestinian news agency reported.
In the footage, American correspondent Steve Centanni, 60, and cameraman Olaf Wiig, 36, of New Zealand, said they were being cared for and appealed for help in winning their release. The footage was the first sign of the journalists since they were kidnapped Aug. 14 from their TV van in Gaza City.
"Our captors are treating us well," Centanni said.
The statement issued by the Holy Jihad Brigades marked the first time a Palestinian group in Gaza made demands on a foreign country other than Israel. Militant groups have routinely tried to limit the conflict to a fight between Palestinians and Israel.
Although Palestinian militant groups have often seized foreigners, including members of the media, this is the longest any have been held.
In the video footage, the men, sitting cross-legged on the floor in sweat suits, appear to be in good health. No armed men were seen.
Centanni said the two men had access to clean water, showers, bathrooms, food and clothing.
"So, just want to let you know I am here and alive and give my love to my family and friends and ask to do anything you can to try to help us get out of here."
Wiig called for help to get them freed.
"If you could apply any pressure on the local government here in Gaza and the West Bank that would be much appreciated by Steve and myself," Wiig said.
In an attached statement, the Holy Jihad Brigades demanded in an attached statement that Muslim prisoners in U.S. jails be released within three days in exchange for Centanni and Wiig. The group did not say what would happen if the deadline passed unanswered, Ramattan reported.
"We are going to exchange the Muslim female and male prisoners in American jails in return for the prisoners that we have. We are going to give you 72 hours, beginning midnight tonight, to take your decision," the statement said. "If you implement and meet our condition, we will fulfill our promise. If not, wait, and we are going to wait with you."
It was not clear whether the group was referring to prisoners being held by the United States in Guantanamo Bay or Iraq, where the U.S. is holding large numbers of Muslim prisoners.
Earlier, Ramattan said the kidnappers had demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Past Gaza kidnappings -- more than two dozen foreigners have been snatched in the past two years -- have followed a clear pattern.
Militants boast of their success within hours, followed by demands for jobs or freedom for jailed relatives, then brief negotiations and finally the release of those abducted, often the same day. Abductees routinely bear tales of being served tea and robust meals of rice and meat, passing the time watching TV or chatting with their captors.
But this kidnapping has not followed that pattern. Until Wednesday, no group had claimed responsibility for the seizure, and the whereabouts of the Fox News journalists remained a mystery despite emotional appeals from family members.
Palestinian government officials, including Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, have called for the release of Centanni and Wiig.
An Al Jazeera employee said the claim of responsibility came in video delivered to the TV station. The TV's employee, who was speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the footage would be aired shortly. |
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