[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 46 (Friday, April 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E607-E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT FOR ITS INVOLVEMENT IN THE 
  SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS TO RELEASE NEW YORK TIMES JOURNALISTS HELD 
                            CAPTIVE IN LIBYA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 1, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
Turkish government for its involvement in the successful negotiations 
with Libyan government officials to release New York Times journalists: 
Lynsey Addario, Stephen Farrell, Tyler Hicks, and Anthony Shadid. The 
journalists were released Monday after successful diplomatic 
negotiations by the Turkish and British governments.
  According to reports from Libyan authorities, the journalists were 
detained on March 15, before the air strikes began. The group entered 
the eastern, rebel-controlled region of Libya without visas, a common 
practice by journalists reporting on the crisis in Libya. The New York 
Times reported that the journalists were held captive by loyalist 
forces of Col. Qadhafi. Early reports indicated that the journalists' 
whereabouts were unknown. As the situation in Libya intensified, U.S. 
officials requested Turkish involvement to secure their release. 
Diplomatic negotiations progressed as the U.S. and coalition forces 
proceeded with the air strikes over Libya. Turkish ambassador Sahinkaya 
worked tirelessly to achieve a safe release. It was not until that 
Monday that the Qadhafi loyalists released the journalists to the 
Turkish diplomats.
  The journalists were taken to safety at the nearby Turkish embassy 
located in Libya's capital, Tripoli, where they contacted their 
families and the New York Times to share the news of their release. 
After a 3\1/2\ hour drive in an armored car, the journalists safely 
arrived in Tunisia and prepared for their journey home.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
Turkish government for its tremendous diplomatic efforts to negotiate 
with the Qadhafi loyalists for the release of the New York Times 
journalists.

[[Page E608]]



                          ____________________