01/06/2007

Video released of captured BBC reporter

A video of kidnapped BBC journalist Alan Johnson has appeared on the internet.

The footage, which appeared on the al-Ekhlaas website, is believed to have been posted by the group Army of Islam, the group which has claimed that it is holding the reporter.

In the video, Mr Johnson, who is seen seated and wearing a red sweatshirt, says that his captors have treated him well and that he is in good health.

Mr Johnson, 45, was working as the BBC's correspondent in Gaza - the only western reporter to be permanently based in the region - when he was abducted in Gaza City on March 12.

The video is the first footage seen of Mr Johnson since he was abducted. It was also sent to the Palestinian news agency Ramattan.

The UK Foreign Office has said that it is aware of the reports of the video and is urgently investigating.

A statement released by Mr Johnson's family said: "We are very pleased to see Alan and to hear him say that he is not being ill-treated - although it is clearly distressing for us to see him in these circumstances."

The BBC also released a statement which said: "This is a highly distressing time for his family and for his friends and his colleagues. We repeat our call for his immediate release."

Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Johnson.

(KMcA/SP)

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