Israel: Release Shalit, too

TEL AVIV, Israel, July 4 (UPI) -- Israel on Wednesday used the release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston to demand the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.

"The State of Israel welcomes Johnston's release by his captors. We share the joy of his family and all the British people," said a statement from the office of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Ynetnews reported.

"Israel demands that kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit be released by his Hamas captors. The kidnappers are obstructing the release of Palestinian prisoners," it said.

Shalit was kidnapped by Hamas in June 2006 and has been held for more than a year.

The soldier's father, Noam Shalit, told Ynetnews: "We are happy for the Johnston family and wish him all the best."

Noam Shalit said no negotiations were being held for his son's release.