Gaza, 17 June (Ma'an) - The Army of Islam denied striking a deal with any of the Palestinian factions to release kidnapped British Journalist Alan Johnston, saying that media reports on this matter are incorrect.

A spokesman for the group, carrying a weapon and standing in a field in Gaza, said: "There is progress, and we will notify you of any developments. Many negotiations and meetings are taking place, but nothing is as television channels report."

The spokesman reiterated the group's demands to release "our prisoners, with the Palestinian Abu-Qatadah at the forefront," adding: "If our demands are not met and if we feel pressured, then he will not be released and we will draw ourselves closer to God by slaughtering this journalist."

Source: Ma'an News Agency website, Bethlehem, in Arabic 1713 gmt 17 Jun 07

BBC Mon Alert ME1 MEPol MD1 Media sg

top