|
Wife of Fox journalist: Captives are friends of Palestinians
The wife of one of the Fox News journalists kidnapped in Gaza City last week issued an emotional plea to the kidnappers Thursday, saying her husband, Olaf Wiig, and Steve Centanni merely wanted to tell the Palestinians' story. The full text of Anita McNaught's statement, which came the day after a video of the pair aired on Palestinian television, is as follows: "It was a source of great relief and comfort to me, and to Olaf and Steve's family and friends to see that our men are being well looked after by you, and we trust that you will continue to care for them until their release. (Watch the captive journalists ask for help -- 1:33) "Over 10 days, you have come to know these men. So you must know that they are merely innocent journalists who have no ability to bring about the kind of changes you ask for. "Olaf, my husband, and Steve, his colleague, are not powerful men. They have only one strength here in Gaza and that is to take the voices of the Palestinian people to the outside world. They can only do this if they are free. "Olaf and Steve have always worked for the interests of the Palestinian people. They came here to support you by telling your stories. I do not question that you who are holding them have suffered greatly -- as everyone in Gaza, in the Palestinian territories is suffering -- but these two men are not responsible for the injustices you speak of, and should not be punished for them. "I would like to send a message to my husband Olaf and to Steve. Olaf -- you are right: We are doing everything we can -- I am doing everything I can here in Gaza -- to secure your release. Stay strong, and know that the Palestinian people around me have been very kind. You both know how much you are loved. "To the kidnappers, I say: You also have families and wives. People should not be kept from their families. In the name of the Muslim values and traditions you so strongly uphold, these two men are your guests. We all desire a peaceful resolution of this matter -- for us and for you. We want our men to come home safe." Posted by: Oztralian 2006-08-25 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=164018 |