"Now when I need my government it seems that I have been totally abandoned and forgotten," said Weinstein. PHOTO: FILE
In a 13-minute clip issued by al Qaeda's media wing and posted on several news websites, a 72 year-old and bearded Warren Weinstein looked gaunt and tired. Weinstein is wearing a gray tracksuit and black beanie hat against a dark background.
"I am not in good health. I have a heart condition. I suffer from acute asthma... Needless to say I've been suffering deep anxiety every part of every day," he said.
"Mr President, for the majority of my adult life, for over 30 years I've served my country ... Now when I need my government it seems that I have been totally abandoned and forgotten."
The video, which was sent anonymously by email to several journalists who have reported from Afghanistan, is being verified by the US State Department.
The video was accompanied by a letter, purportedly handwritten by Weinstein but also not authenticated, that was dated October 3.
In the message, Weinstein urges President Barack Obama's administration to negotiate with the al Qaeda militants who snatched him in Pakistan more than two years ago.
The 72 year-old development expert called on Obama to renew efforts for his release and consider freeing unspecified al Qaeda militants in US custody so that his captors could allow him to receive a family visit.
If confirmed, the video appeal would be the third by Weinstein since he was taken captive in August 2011.
Weinstein was abducted in 2011 in Lahore where he worked for a US consulting company.
He had been working as a consultant for the firm JE Austin Associates Inc, a contractor for the US Agency for International Development.
In his last video statement, released in September 2012, Weinstein appealed to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "as one Jew to another" to help secure his release.
The tribal areas on Pakistan's border with Afghanistan serve as safe havens for al Qaeda, the Taliban and other militant groups, and the Islamabad government has been under pressure from the United States to do more to eliminate the insurgency.
COMMENTS (16)
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The video must be a fake for calling for the help of israeli leader? The American NSA could verify it.
Rex Minor
Isn't he the same fellow who was abducted from Model Town Lahore during Ramzan when suspicious fellows entered his house in the garb of delivering sehri? At least he is alive just like Prof. Ajmal of Peshawar University who was abducted eons ago. The situation is grim n hearbreaking especially when you think about their families.
Sign Change.org petition to demand Warren's freedom!
https://www.change.org/petitions/free-warren-call-upon-president-obama-to-free-american-72-year-old-warren-weinstein-from-pakistani-prison
This great friend of Pakistan is held by enemies of Pakistan and Islam. Governments of both Pakistan and Us must do something to get him back.
@Nikki:
Not,, on Obmer's list of " to do's' he has an agenda to perform and humanitarian acts are not in it.
Abducting and keeping in illegal confinement is a tactics used by US and people like Warren are unfortunately paying the cost. Non the less he must be set free as soon as possible.
@Nikki: There was no hue and cry becuase there is no American in AQ's jail.The story has been framed as an excuse,let us wait the new move and wave.
Why can't our Pakistani security forces locate and save him?? This is so frustrating. Do our security services not have the capability??
Another gimmick by US to trade off with pakistan...
I wonder why AQ was sleeping on this so far? May be they made him teach their folks "modern development techniques" lol!
Lets send Imran Khan to talk to them. If they listen to him and release the poor american then it will prove Imran's point that taliban are ready to talk