[GraceCoolidge]

I can't seem to find a complete copy of the statement. Here's CNN's version:

Johnson's family in the United States, including his son, daughter, brother and sister, has asked for privacy. The family issued a statement thanking everyone "for the outpouring of support they have received." The family also praised the United States and Saudi Arabia for doing "everything they possibly could to rescue Paul under very difficult circumstances."

A local station had this on their website:

The family released a statement Friday praising U.S. and Saudi authorities for efforts to rescue him.

"They knew the odds were not in the favor of law enforcement," said Joseph Billy Jr., an FBI agent who spoke on the family's behalf. "They also know that the vast majority of citizens of Saudi Arabia also grieves with them at this time."

I can't find a complete statement of what I heard... odd, given the extensive media coverage of Mr. Berg's statements, don't you think?

[BykrBayb]

Odd? Yes. Surprising? No.

Thanks for sharing what you were able to find. If I come across the complete statement, I'll share it with you.

[BykrBayb]

I've Googled away, and this is the best I could find. It's from philly.com. You have to sign up (free) to read it.

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Posted on Fri, Jun. 18, 2004

Johnson family statement

Excerpts from the statement issued tonight by the Johnson family, including his mother, siblings and children, read by FBI Special Agent Joseph Billy to reporters in Galloway Township, where some family members were in seclusion.

"It's a very sad day for the Johnson family."

"They thank everyone for the outpouring of support."

"They understand the Saudis and the United States did everything they could under very difficult circumstances."

"Johnson considered Saudi Arabia his home." His death "does not represent the Saudi Arabia Paul wrote and spoke about with his family."

"This is very much an evolving investigation."

"They now hope that the investigation will continue to move forward and that justice will ultimately be served."

“They knew the odds were not in the favor of law enforcement."

“Paul considered Saudi Arabia his home. He loved the people and the country,” said Joseph Billy. “They also know this act of terrorism was committed by extremists and does not represent the Saudi Arabia that Paul often spoke and wrote about to his family.”