The managing editor of the Wall Street Journalhas issued an open letter to the group he believes is responsible for kidnapping US reporter Mr Daniel Pearl.
In the letter, which he addressed to the National Movement for the Restoration of Pakistani Sovereignty, Journalmanaging editor Mr Paul Steiger asked the group to open a private dialogue.
"I know that the National Movement for the Restoration of Pakistani Sovereignty is very serious and wants others to know about its movement. To assure that this happens it is important for you to respond to this message," Mr Steiger's letter said.
"I have not heard from you for several days and want to begin a dialogue that will address your concerns and bring about Danny's safe release," the letter said.
"Since your last e-mail I have received numerous e-mails from people who claim that they are holding Danny. Because of these claims, it has become difficult for me to know that I am communicating with the people holding Danny. These individuals have caused a great deal of confusion".
The National Movement for the Restoration of Pakistani Sovereignty puts its name to the first e-mail sent on January 27th claiming to have abducted Mr Pearl, who disappeared four days earlier.
Attached to the document were photographs of the journalist - one with a gun pointed at his head and another with him holding a newspaper dated January 27th.
That communication demanded Washington return Pakistani prisoners held at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for trial in Pakistan. The Bush administration has ruled out any talks.
PA