Islamic Group’s Excerpts on U.S. Hostage

Excerpts from a statement posted Tuesday on an Islamic Web site from militants holding American hostage Paul Johnson, threatening to kill him within 72 hours unless Saudi Arabia frees al-Qaida prisoners:

* “If the tyrannical Saudi government wants their American master to be released, then they have to release our holy warriors that are held in Ha’ir, Ruweis and Alisha prisons within 72 hours of this statement’s date” -- June 15 -- “or else we will sacrifice his blood to God in revenge for our Muslim brothers who have been liberally killed everywhere.”

* Addressing the world’s Muslims, the statement says: “We have made a promise to ourselves to defend you. We will not let you down, and you should know that the treacherous tyrants who have helped the Americans against you, and shared your blood with them, do not represent the Muslims of Saudi Arabia. They are our enemies as much as they are your enemies. They are the enemies of God and his prophet.”