Expressing his sympathy for the family of abducted BBC reporter Alan Johnston, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday praised the journalist and said he would add to the efforts to free Johnston, who was kidnapped in Gaza a month ago. Johnston s coverage of Palestinian issues has earned a great reputation worldwide, Ban told reporters. I will do whatever I can in my capacity as secretary-general. I sincerely hope that those who are responsible for this abduction should release him unconditionally and immediately, Ban said. No group has claimed responsibility for his abduction, but Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he had evidence that Johnston was still alive.
