SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE, UNCONDITIONAL

 

RELEASE OF ABDUCTED BBC JOURNALIST ALAN JOHNSTON

 

The following statement was issued today by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I have been closely following the abduction of BBC journalist Alan Johnston.  I am deeply concerned.  Even after one month of his abduction, he has not been released.  His coverage of Palestinian issues has earned a great reputation worldwide.  Freedom of coverage, as well as freedom of the press, should be protected as a matter of principle.  I sincerely hope that those who are responsible for this abduction release him unconditionally and immediately.  I will do whatever I can in my capacity as Secretary-General.  My sympathy is with the family of Alan Johnston.  I wish him well.

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For information media • not an official record