Hamas calls for release of abducted BBC reporter

GAZA, June 15 (Reuters) Palestinian Islamist faction Hamas called today for the release of an abducted British reporter the day after the group took control of the coastal territory and ousted rival secular faction Fatah.

Alan Johnston, the kidnapped BBC Gaza correspondent, was seized on March 12.

His abductors issued a video of him on June 1 in which he said he was in good health and being treated well, although it was not known when the tape was made.

''We call on the captors of the foreign journalist Alan Johnston (to release him) immediately and we will not allow the continuation of his detention,'' Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida said.

The Scotsman, who turned 45 in captivity last month, is the only Western correspondent based full-time in the Gaza Strip.

Reuters SLD DS1642