By NNN-KUNA
Washington : The White House has said that the release of BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston by Hamas will not change the attitude of President George W. Bush's Administration towards the Palestinian Islamic group.
After 16 weeks in captivity, Johnston was released Wednesday as Hamas is seeking to improve its image on the international scene after its militants took over Gaza last month.
"We were pleased by the safe release of Mr Johnston," said White House spokesperson Scott Stanzel in a press briefing Thursday.
"But that does not change our attitude," added Stanzel, answering a question about how this step would affect the Bush Administration's views of Hamas while reminding that Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit is still detained by Hamas after one year of captivity.
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