HYDE AND LANTOS URGE PRESIDENT OF PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY TO HELP SECURE RELEASE OF FOX NEWS JOURNALISTS 

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Reps. Henry J. Hyde (R-IL) and Tom Lantos (D-CA), Chairman and Ranking Democratic Member, respectively, of the House International Relations Committee, released the following text of their joint letter to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, urging him to do “everything in your power” to help secure the release of Fox News journalists Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig: 

August 25, 2006 

His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas
President of the Palestinian Authority
Gaza 

Mr. President: 

We write to urge you to use your considerable influence with the captors of Fox News journalists Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig, and do everything in your power to secure their release.  As you know, it has been nearly two weeks since they were seized from their television van in Gaza City. 

As you know, the role of journalists and the foreign press in providing independent information about Gaza, the West Bank, and other troubled areas of the world is vital to understanding conflict in these areas.  Foreign journalists take enormous risks to provide independent news coverage, and it is in the interests of all governments involved to do everything possible to assure the safety and security of these independent sources of news and information.  Securing the release of these journalists will enhance the willingness of other journalists to undertake the risks necessary to enhance worldwide interest and comprehension of the issues involved. 

We are grateful for all of your efforts thus far and urge that you give the release of these journalists the highest priority. 

Sincerely, 

                        Henry J. Hyde                                                                    Tom Lantos

                        Chairman                                                                                  Ranking Democratic Member