Johnston release 'within hours'

June 17, 2007

The statement of Johnston's imminent release was made by Abu Osameh al-Mo'ti, a representative of the Palestinian Islamist group in Iran. Speaking through an interpreter in Tehran, he told reporters that Johnston would be released within hours. Hamas said on Friday it was in an advanced stage of negotiations over the release of the British reporter. Al-Mo'ti indicated talks were still going on but did not specify how he knew Johnston would be freed.