Press Release

U.S. Government Grateful for The Release of Hostages

March 28, 2006

The U.S. Government is grateful to the Government of Nigeria and all those who assisted in the safe release of Russell Spell, Cody Oswalt, and John Hudspith.

The safe release of the hostages is a first step in opening up dialogue to explore and implement long term solutions for the region and the U.S. government looks forward to assisting in improving the lives of the residents in the Niger Delta.

Hostage taking is always wrong. It is an injustice to innocent people deprived of their freedom and a set back for the development of the region. The Rule of Law must apply both to those who take hostages as well as those who are sworn to uphold the law.

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