NEW YORK, January 9, 2007 (WAFA) - The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomed the release of Agence France-Presse photographer Jaime Razuri, who had been held since January 1.

In a press release issued Tuesday, CPJ revealed that Razuri was dropped off at Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' compound in Gaza City by Palestinian security forces.

CPJ Executive Director, Joel Simon, said that "The use of foreigners, including journalists, as bargaining chips to settle internal Palestinian disputes is unacceptable and has a chilling effect that harms the Palestinian people. We call on the Palestinian government to arrest and bring to justice those behind the abduction."

H.M (19:14 P) (17:17 GMT)