In Support of John Solecki

Solecki’s mother appeals to public for help
Daily Times, February 22, 2009

ISLAMABAD: The mother of a United Nations (UN) official, kidnapped nearly three weeks ago, has urged the public to help secure her son’s release, in an audio-taped message released by the UN on Saturday.

"My name is Rose Solecki. The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) worker who went missing in Quetta, John Solecki, is my son. I am appealing to the people of Balochistan for whatever support they can provide to secure my son's safety and freedom," the 83-year-old said in the tape, given to AFP by a local UNHCR official.

John Solecki, head of the UNHCR in Quetta, was abducted at gunpoint on February 2. His driver was killed in the ambush.

The UN has been trying to establish contact with the kidnappers, who have threatened to kill Solecki, AP reported.

The previously unheard of Balochistan Liberation United Front, which claimed to be holding Solecki, has demanded the release of 141 female detainees ‘with Pakistan’, and information about 6,000 men ‘missing’ in operations against the insurgency.

On Monday, the kidnappers said they had extended a 72-hour deadline for the government to meet their demands for Solecki's release. No new deadline was set.

"Please help us find John and return him safely to his family, friends and colleagues," Rose Solecki said. "John has helped many people in Balochistan and now my son needs your help." afp/ap

Also See:
Talal smells a rat in Solecki’s abduction - The News
John Solecki, American Kidnapped In Pakistan, Threatened With Death - Huffington Post
Kidnappers of John Solecki in Pakistan decline talks with U.N. officials, report says - Star Ledger