Abbas military threat over Johnston

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The first video of the BBC reporter since his abduction two and a half months ago was broadcast on a militant website on Friday by his self-proclaimed kidnappers, calling themselves the Army of Islam.

Mr Abbas' adviser Saeb Erekat said that the Palestinian Authority knew nothing about the so-called Army or its alleged leaders in the Dugmush clan. But he said that all sides of Palestinian political life were united in their determination to secure Mr Johnston's release.

Mr Erekat told the BBC: "Fatah, Hamas, all the factions, the President, the Prime Minister, in this particular case, they see eye to eye. We are all unified as far as condemning this despicable and shameful act.

"We must really determine where his location is, and then move... even if it takes a military or a security operation."

Mr Erekat said the video amounted to a "proof of life", but added that it was clear the journalist was speaking under duress.

Asked about the Army of Islam, he said: "These people are nothing more than gangsters. I don't think they are linked to anyone."

Mr Johnston's family yesterday said they were "buoyed up" after seeing the video containing the first images of him since he was captured in Gaza City on March 12.

Johnston, 45, from Argyllshire, was pictured from the waist up wearing a red sweatshirt and appeared calm as he delivered a statement lasting around five minutes to the camera.

The Foreign Office condemned the video's release, which it said could only add to the distress of the reporter's family and friends. And Prime Minister Tony Blair and his anointed successor Gordon Brown both came forward to call for the reporter to be freed immediately.