Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP

Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for London

 Sarah Ludford MEP

Alan Johnston's release brings ray of hope to Middle East

4.44.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 4th Jul 2007

Sarah Ludford campaigning for Alan Johnston's release with fellow MEPs Liz Lynne and Sajjad Karim (photography: Ludford Office)

Campaigning to release Alan Johnston

Commenting on today's release of Alan Johnston after 114 days of captivity in the Middle East, Liberal Democrat MEP for London Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"Amongst all the tragedy that is so often the reality in the Middle East, today's news comes as a ray of hope that basic humanitarian instincts can overcome ancient rivalry and bitterness."

"Alan's release is clearly a huge relief not only to his family but also to all those who have dared hope for a positive outcome."

"It is a wonderful tribute to freedom of expression and people-power that the BBC World Service not only helped sustain him but also channeled the demand of hundreds of thousands of people across the world for his release."

"Let us hope that this is the start of a new phase in the Middle-East. The role of Hamas has been positive this time, and with other changes will help persuade the European Union and international bodies to talk to them. Only through meaningful dialogue can a sustainable peace be achieved."

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Next news story: Alan Johnston's freedom should trigger further releases (Fri 6th Jul 2007).

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