George Bush

President Bush says he is concerned about the fate of a kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter, whose abductors have threatened to kill him Friday.

Speaking at the White House, President Bush said his administration is actively involved in trying to find and rescue kidnapped reporter Daniel Pearl, who disappeared last week in the Pakistani city of Karachi. Mr. Bush said investigators are pursuing leads provided by e-mails from the kidnappers. He added that U.S. authorities are in touch with the Pakistani government and Mr. Pearl's employer, The Wall Street Journal newspaper.

Daniel Pearl

The previously unknown group that kidnapped Mr. Pearl is demanding the release of Pakistani detainees captured in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. It also warns all American journalists to leave Pakistan by Saturday, saying there are many spies in Pakistan working under the guise of reporters.

The kidnappers on Thursday extended their deadline until Friday without explanation. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has ruled out negotiations for Mr. Pearl's release.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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