Family Of Kidnapped American Asks U.S. To Do More

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Relatives of kidnapped American development expert Warren Weinstein are celebrating the release of a U.S. soldier held prisoner in Afghanistan and asking the government to work harder to secure Weinstein's release.

Weinstein, a 72-year-old Rockville, Md. resident, was kidnapped in Pakistan more than two years ago.

In a statement released Saturday, Weinstein's wife, daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren say they join the nation in celebrating the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. He was freed by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Weinstein's relatives say they "implore our government to redouble its effort to explore all possible avenues" to free him. They note that his health is failing and say they are "desperate for his release before it's too late."

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