LONDON, April 20, 2007 (WAFA) - A media watchdog group has called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to do more to secure the release of the BBC's kidnapped Gaza correspondent.

Reporters Without Borders called on Mr Abbas to urge the kidnappers to provide evidence Mr Johnston is still alive.

Alan Johnston, 44, has not been seen since he was seized at gunpoint on his way home in Gaza City on 12 March.

Abbas has said Johnston is alive and that his government is working with the British authorities on the case.

On Thursday, Mr Abbas said he knew which group was holding Mr Johnston but he would not say whether any contact had been made with the captors.

Protests against Mr Johnston's kidnap have been held in Britain, the Palestinian territories and other parts of the Middle East almost daily since his abduction.

A.D (22:29P) (19:29GMT)