In an unusual videotaped interview, American Terry Anderson sounded optimistic about U.N.-led efforts to end the hostage stalemate and said his captors have promised "very good news" soon.
The journalist, held by the pro-Iranian Islamic Jihad for 61/2 years, urged all sides to step up cooperation to bring an end to the ordeal through a hostage-for-prisoner swap.The 12-minute video, during which Anderson answers an unseen questioner whose voice has been edited out, apparently seeks to apply greater pressure on Israel to release Arab prisoners.
It was not known whether the videotape was made under duress, but the 43-year-old Anderson appeared calm and in better health than in previous photographs and tapes.
The tape was delivered to CNN's Damascus bureau Sunday night with a statement from Anderson's Shiite Muslim captors that called the interview the latest step in a process begun with the August release of Briton John McCarthy.
Anderson, chief Middle East correspondent for The Associated Press, spoke in a strong voice and laughed occasionally.
He mentioned his joy after hearing a radio broadcast of the daughter he has never seen. The longest-held Western hostage, Anderson was kidnapped in Beirut on March 16, 1985.
His daughter, Sulome, was sleeping when her father was first shown Monday on television screens in Nicosia, said her mother, Madeleine Bassil.
The 6-year-old child, born three months after Anderson's abduction, exclaimed, "Oh, Mum-my, I really want Daddy home. Now!" her mother said.
"There has never been one day we didn't talk to you, whether in prayers or alone. The good thing today is that I know you were listening to us," Bassil added. "I love you, Terry. I always did. I'll always love you. And I'm looking forward to a brighter future where we can pick up where we left behind."