It is now over a month since Alan Johnston was abducted at gunpoint in Gaza, and Palestinian intelligence suggests that the Gaza based correspondent is alive and being held by an unknown group.
The resolution has been tabled and is being led in the Parliament by three Socialist MEPs Richard Howitt (UK), Pasqualina Napoletano (Italy) and Elena Valenciano (Spain). Richard Howitt UK Labour's Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs himself met Alan Johnston while working in Gaza as a human rights observer and election monitor.
British Labour MEP, Richard Howitt said "With Europe's Development Commissioner in the region and constant contacts from the EU High Representative, the European Union can add to the efforts of the BBC and of the British Government by sending a strong political signal in favour of Alan's release"
-ENDS-
Timings - (All times are local)
11.45am - BBC journalists gather outside the Parliament chamber to read an open letter to MEPs in advance of the resolution.
4.00pm- Debate and vote in the Parliament chamber on the resolution.
Please e-mail david.poyser@europarl.europa.eu or brian.dawson@pop3.poptel.org.uk for a copy of the full Resolution
Brian Dawson (Richard Howitt MEP's office) +44 (0) 1223 240202 or +44 (0) 7763329723.
David Poyser GSM/mobile 00 32 476 540 886
