Two US Cong-men appeal for release of Fox News scribes

Washington, Aug 26 (UNI) Two US Congressmen have written a letter to President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, seeking his intervention for the release of Fox News journalists who were seized from their vehicle in Gaza city recently.

House International Relations Committee Chairman Henry Hyde (Republican) and the ranking Democrat on the Committee Rep Tom Lantos, in their letter to the Palestinian President, wrote: ''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.

''... 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,'' they said.

''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'' the Congressmen explained.

''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 urge that you give the release of these journalists the highest priority,'' they added.

UNI XC VJ RN0822