Cleric contacted over Johnston plea

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Foreign Office officials have held talks with lawyers for Abu Qatada, who is currently in custody in the UK fighting extradition.

The disclosure came as vigils around the world were held to mark Mr Johnston's 45th birthday, more than two months after he was seized at gunpoint in Gaza City.

Numerous appeals have since been made for the Gaza correspondent's safe return, and on Thursday his family issued birthday greetings and messages with several other high profile figures including Nobel Prize winning playwright Harold Pinter.

Qatada, who is described as a "key figure" in al Qaida, has reportedly offered to travel to Gaza with a BBC delegation in a bid to contact Mr Johnston's captors.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We have been in discussions with Abu Qatada's lawyer to see whether he would be willing to make a humanitarian appeal for Alan Johnston's safe release."

Qatada previously made an appeal for the release of British hostage Ken Bigley, who was subsequently murdered by his captors.

He is battling extradition to Jordan where he has been convicted twice in his absence, of involvement in terrorist plots.

Army of Islam, a little-known group, has claimed responsibility for the Mr Johnston's kidnapping and demanded that Britain frees Muslim prisoners - specifically naming Qatada.

Harold Pinter issued his message on World Have Your Say on the BBC World Service alongside best-selling writers Bill Bryson and Monica Ali. The journalist's worried parents and sister also released messages. Mr Pinter said: "We all have so much sympathy for his terrible plight. And I pray that common sense and sanity will prevail. In the meantime, all the very, very best to you."