Congressional resolution for release of US citizen held in Pak

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Press Trust of India Washington
Last Updated : Jun 13 2014 | 7:53 PM IST
A US lawmaker has introduced a Congressional resolution seeking the release of a 72-year-old American national, who was abducted by al-Qaeda in Pakistan in 2011.
Warren Weinstein is a former Peace Corps volunteer and ex-official of the United States Agency for International Development official.
The resolution introduced by Congressman John Delaney asked the US government to use all lawful tools at its disposal to bring Weinstein to his family.
Noting that Weinstein is widely recognised as a scholar and humanitarian who has spent his career working to improve the lives of men, women, and children around the world, the resolution said the latest video released by his captors confirmed that he is in poor health.
In January this year Delaney had written to US President Barack Obama seeking his release from captivity.
Delaney's latest move comes in the aftermath of the release of Sgt Bowe Bergdahl from Taliban captivity in lieu of swap of five Taliban prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay terrorist detention centre.
"Today, I rise in support of my constituent, Warren Weinstein, who has been held captive by al-Qaeda for over one thousand days.
This past week the headlines have been dominated by the release of Bowe Bergdahl.
But, these headlines should also remind us that there are other Americans held as prisoners overseas," Delaney said.
"Warren is a loving husband, a father, a grandfather. He's 72 years old. Recent videos released by Al-Qaeda show him in bad and deteriorating health. This is a man of peace, and of love", he said.
The resolution has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Congressional experts say there is little chance of the resolution being passed by the House.
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First Published: Jun 13 2014 | 7:53 PM IST

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