[Note: Kember read the following statement today when he arrived at Heathrow
airport.]
There is a real sense in which you are interviewing the wrong person.
It is the ordinary people of Iraq that you should be talking to – the people who have suffered so much over many years and still await the stable and just society that they deserve.
Another group that I hope you do not forget are the relatives of British soldiers killed or wounded in Iraq.
I do not believe that a lasting peace is achieved by armed force, but I pay tribute to their courage and thank those who played a part in my release.
I am not ready at this time to talk about my months of captivity except to say that I am delighted to be free and reunited with my family.
In reality it was my wife who was kidnapped last November. She suffered more than I because while I knew that I was alive and well, she did not.
I thank all who supported Pat during this stressful time.
‘Thanks to staff’
While in Baghdad we had opportunity to thank the Embassy staff who worked so diligently for our release.
I now thank the staff in Britain who also dedicated so much time to the same end.
Then I am grateful to all those from many faith communities who appealed for my release and held prayers and vigils in my name.
Pat assures me that I will be overwhelmed by the volume of goodwill messages – our home is currently like a flower shop.
I thank the media for agreeing to share news and reduce the stress on me.
I now need to reflect on my experience – was I foolhardy or rational? – and also to enjoy freedom in peace and quiet.
Thank you.
