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British journalist alan johnston freed by hamas { July 4 2007 }

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   http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6756202,00.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uklatest/story/0,,-6756202,00.html

BBC's Johnston released - Hamas

Press Association
Wednesday July 4, 2007 3:33 AM

Kidnapped British journalist Alan Johnston has been freed after almost four months, the BBC said.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "We can confirm he has been freed from his kidnappers."

The Foreign Office said Mr Johnston has spoken to the Consul General in Jerusalem by phone.

Looking pale and frail, Mr Johnston told journalists: "I think I'm okay. It was an extraordinary level of stress and psychological pressure for a long, long time and obviously difficult to keep your mind in the right place in the right place, a constant battle.

"I feel as well as I can, I think."

Simon Wilson, the BBC's bureau chief in Jerusalem, told the BBC World news programme that he had spoken to Johnston and he sounded "amazingly composed".

"He asked me to pass onto everybody a big thank you and a little bit of time to get used to things," Wilson said. "He sounded tired and he just wanted to thank everybody.

"We are absolutely thrilled and delighted."

Abu Ridwan, a leader of a small militant group who had been heavily involved in the negotiations to free Johnston, said Hamas guaranteed the reporter's kidnappers -- a group known as the Army of Islam -- that they would not be harmed.

Mr Johnston said he was speaking from the home of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

© Copyright Press Association Ltd 2007, All Rights Reserved.



British hostage helps hamas credibility { July 4 2007 }
British journalist alan johnston freed by hamas { July 4 2007 }
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Hamas exploits british hostage situation { July 4 2007 }
Hamas frees captive bbc journalist { July 3 2007 }
Hamas offers amnesty on first day of gaza rule { June 15 2007 }
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Israel to free 250 palestinians but not Barghouti { June 2007 }
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