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This picture taken from a video released Fox News crew's kidnappers Wednesday Aug. 23, 2006, and handed out by the Palestinian news agency Ramatan. (AP)
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| By Associated Press August 24, 2006 |
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New Zealand will not negotiate with the kidnappers of its national, a Fox cameraman who was abducted more than a week ago in the Gaza Strip, a New Zealand diplomat said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the kidnappers released a video showing the cameraman, Olaf Wiig, and fellow Fox journalist Steve Centanni, a U.S. citizen. The kidnappers demanded the release of Muslims imprisoned by the U.S. by Saturday night, in exchange for the hostages. The U.S. State Department said it will not negotiate with the kidnappers, who seized the men 10 days ago.
Peter Rider, a New Zealand diplomat sent to oversee efforts to release Wiig, said he backed Washington's approach. "The New Zealand policy is exactly the same as that of the United States, we will not negotiate with terrorists or militant groups like this," Rider told The Associated Press.
He said New Zealand has no new information about the kidnappers, and has not made contact with them.
Palestinian legislator Saeb Erekat, who is close to moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said the kidnappers' demands undermine efforts to win the release of more than 7,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
In late June, Hamas-allied militants kidnapped an Israeli soldier and said they want to exchange him for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Abbas has condemned the kidnapping, but has also called for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israel has rejected the demands.
Also Thursday, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh is expected to meet Wiig's wife, Anita McNaught.
McNaught has been in Gaza to try to help secure her husband's release.
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