Kidnap victim Warren Weinstein feels forgotten by US government

A 72-year-old American development worker kidnapped in Pakistan by al-Qa'ida more than two years ago has appealed to Barack Obama in a video to negotiate his release, saying he feels 'totally abandoned and forgotten.'

The video of Warren Weinstein was the first since two videos released in September 2012. Mr Weinstein, the country director in Pakistan for JE Austin Associates, a US-based firm that advises a range of Pakistani business and government sectors, was abducted from his house in the eastern city of Lahore in August 2011.

In the video sent to reporters in Pakistan including news3blog.blogspot.com, Mr Weinstein called on the US government to negotiate his release.

'Nine years ago I came to Pakistan to help my government, and I did so at a time when most Americans would not come here, and now when I need my government it seems that I have been totally abandoned and forgotten,' Mr Weinstein said during the 13-minute video.

'And so I again appeal to you to instruct your appropriate officials to negotiate my release.'

It was impossible to tell how much Mr Weinstein's statement, made under the duress of captivity, was scripted by his captors. A phone message left with his family was not returned.

The video and an accompanying letter purported to be from Mr Weinstein was emailed anonymously to reporters in Pakistan. The video was labelled 'As-Sahab,' which is al-Qa'ida's media wing, but its authenticity could not be independently verified. The letter was dated October 3, 2013 and in the video Mr Weinstein said he had been in captivity for two years.

In the video, Mr Weinstein wore a grey track suit jacket and what appeared to be a black knit hat on his head. His face was partially covered with a beard.

Al-Qa'ida has said Mr Weinstein would be released if the US halted air strikes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen and also demanded the release of all al-Qa'ida and Taliban suspects around the world.

The White House has called for Mr Weinstein's immediate release but has said it won't negotiate with al-Qa'ida.

The videos last year showed Mr Weinstein appealing for help from the Jewish community and Israel's prime minister.

AP