Johnston release 'in advanced stage'

Hamas has said it is making "serious and practical steps" to secure the release of kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston.

Speaking at a news conference in Gaza City, the group's spokeman Abu Obeideh said: "The Qassam brigades decided to close this case, and this case will be solved, god willing.

"Now we started serious and practical steps in order to accomplish this goal which is releasing the kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston."

Hamas is sending a signal to other armed groups that it intends to impose order in Gaza, to secure the release.

Abu Obeideh said that Hamas recognised the Palestinian police force as the legitimate authority of the Palestinian people.

He also said Hamas were also ready to help increase security for all foreigners and journalists entering the Gaza Strip.

Mr Johnston, the only Western correspondent based full-time in Gaza, was seized on March 12.

His abductors, a little-known group called the Army of Islam, 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.

Hamas has been negotiating with the captors through a mediator.

An official involved in the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said the captors pledged on Friday to release Johnston within 24 hours.

In London, a spokeswoman said the BBC were aware of the reports, but had not received any firm confirmation of Johnston's situation.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.