PA: Kidnappers to free Fox newsmen

Jerusalem Post ^ | 8/26/06 | KHALED ABU TOAMEH

[freespirited]

The kidnappers of the two Fox News journalists abducted in Gaza City on August 14 have promised to release them unharmed, Palestinian Authority officials said on Saturday night.

According to the officials, the PA has managed to establish contact with the kidnappers, who promised to resolve the affair peacefully.

PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said he had personally received assurances from the kidnappers that the two, reporter Steve Centanni, from the US, and cameraman Olaf Wiig, from New Zealand, would be released unharmed and unconditionally.

PA Interior Minister Said Siam, who is in charge of part of the PA security forces, announced that significant progress had been achieved in efforts to secure the release of the men.

"There are encouraging indications that the two will be released soon," he said, refusing to elaborate.

Ghazi Hamad, a spokesman for the Hamas-controlled PA government, also said that he was "very encouraged" that the two would be released soon. "I believe they will be released soon because of a breakthrough in the negotiations with the kidnappers," he said.

A previously unknown group calling itself the Holy Jihad Brigades claimed responsibility last week for the abduction and issued a three-day ultimatum to the US to release all Muslim prisoners held in America.

However, Hamas officials told The Jerusalem Post that the kidnappers belonged to one of the armed wings of PA President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party.

The deadline set by the kidnappers passed midday Saturday.

Haniyeh was quoted shortly afterward as voicing optimism on the issue. "There is progress regarding the case of the kidnapped journalists," he said. "There are also promises that they won't be harmed."

[onyx]

This is a test.

[Sue Perkick]

ping

I pray this is true. I too will believe it when I see it. This would be the best news I've heard in a while.

[onyx]

Reportedly, the majority of Muslims are not fundies --- whatever their number, they have given new meaning to SILENT majority.

[shield]

PTL...

[Dustbunny]

Praying for their safety and quick release.

[mosquewatch.com]

I was wondering where you were going with this lol. And it is not logical thinking to say (as the muslims do) that only 10% of Muslims are terrorists. This means the 90% of the "peaceful Muslims" can't do anything about it.

I compare it to the 1950's, here in the south, when white men were hanging black people. Not all Southerners were hanging people, but the rest didn't say or do a damn thing about it.

The only rational conclusion, if the 90% of the "peaceful Muslims" are silent, they agree with the "10 percent", (Not to be mistaken for the Walton and Johnson 10 percenters. ;)

[tessalu]

If Hezbollah are heros, these kidnapppers must be heros too.

[Liberty Valance]

Look for a few shiny new Mercedes or Beemers traveling around Gaza in the next few weeks if true.

[onyx]

I see now that you're in Mississippi too!

[mosquewatch.com]

In the eyes of Muslims ? YES.

[mosquewatch.com]

37 years here in Ms. Love this place ! (whats left of it lol) You in Ms. as well? (yes i can spell Mississippi I'm just to bloody tired from work ;0) )

[onyx]

Yes, in Vicksburg.
You're right -- the silent masses agree.

[mosquewatch.com]

Hope you and yours are well in Vicksburg. And they seem to agree, I see Muslims protest around the world over stupid cartoons, but nothing else.

I despise islam on many levels. I don't hate the Muslims, but I know who my enemy is.

This Country had better wake up fast, in 10 years, it's going to be a very different place.

[ElCid89]

New targets for Israeli Apaches....

[onyx]

You're not nearby?

[EDINVA]

Please, God!

[Halls]

SOON? Why not now??

[marajade]

Rupert Murdock hasn't paid enough $$$ yet.

[mosquewatch.com]

I'm about 20 miles south of Wiggins . Left the Coastal area for good.

[OldFriend]

When I see them safe and sound I'll believe the promises.