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American Morning

Wife of Missing American Journalist Issues Appeal

Aired February 15, 2002 - 08:18   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: The wife of missing American journalist Daniel Pearl issued an impassioned appeal to the kidnappers following a claim from an admitted kidnapper that he may already be dead.

Mariane Pearl, who is now six months pregnant, wrote that the unborn baby boy -- quote -- "is now breathing into his being the worry and apprehension I have about my husband's well being" -- end quote. She said she had faith they will let him go.

For the latest on the case, we go now to CNN's Ben Wedeman in Karachi.

Ben, what's the latest?

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Anderson. Now, the police are looking at the possible involvement of another suspect in the kidnapping of "Wall Street Journal" reporter Daniel Pearl. The man here is one, Emptia Sadikhi (ph). Now, the police say that is a pseudonym. But they do believe that he was the one who arranged the kidnapping on the 23rd of January of Mr. Pearl, and he is actually the one who is holding Daniel Pearl. The police, however, say he's just one of several suspects.

Now, just a little while ago, I got off the telephone with the senior police officer in Karachi, who said, yes, they know who is holding Daniel Pearl, and they are doing everything they can to retrace his steps to get to him. But he wouldn't actually specify if this is Emptia Sadikhi (ph) or someone else.

Now, regarding the man they were describing as the key suspect. Yesterday, British-born and educated, Sheikh Omar Saeed, he remains in police custody. According to the police, he hasn't given them any new information, and he is a man who really confounded the investigators over the last few days. First, telling them that Daniel Pearl in alive and is in Karachi. And then telling them yesterday that Daniel Pearl is dead.

Now, is Daniel Pearl dead or alive? The police are saying since they haven't seen any evidence to the contrary, in other words a body, they believe he is still alive. And they say they are still confident that they will eventually find Daniel Pearl. But at this point, the investigation doesn't appear to be making a lot of headway -- Anderson. COOPER: All right. Ben Wedeman, thanks very much. It is an ongoing story. We appreciate you following it so closely.

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