Re: Army Holds News Conference Regarding Maupin

Date: June 30, 2004

"Army Holds News Conference Regarding Maupin

An Army spokesman revealed no new major information regarding captured soldier Matt Maupin during a Wednesday afternoon news conference.

Brig. General Michael Beasley, Maupin's commanding officer "several levels up," said there is no new information about Maupin's status.

Beasley reiterated that an apparent hostage videotape that is being analyzed is "totally inconclusive."

"As of right now, the tape remains totally inconclusive regarding the ID of any individual," Beasley said, echoing previous information released Tuesday.

Beasley did not indicate that the analysis of the tape has concluded but did say the Maupin family was upset when the existence of the videotape was leaked to the media.

"Quite frankly, they were disturbed by the early release of the information," he said.

Beasley was joined at the news conference by Congressman Rob Portman, who said the Maupin family received a briefing earlier Wednesday.

"I thought the family could benefit from some of the same information. This is part of a regular update that the military has given the family and given me and other elected officials. This meeting has nothing to do with the video or other recent events," Portman said.

The Maupin family has received regular briefings since April 9.

"We have been in touch on a daily basis with the Department of Defense and the family. I live in this area and I come home pretty much every weekend," said Portman, adding that he has met with the Maupins several times.

"I am satisfied that we're getting good information that the rescue of Specialist Maupin is a very high priority," said Portman.

Regarding the details of Wednesday's meeting with the Maupins, Beasley said "the briefing team emphasized to the Maupins that the handover will not affect the attempts to rescue Specialist Maupin or any of the other U.S. captives."

Maupin, who is listed by the military as captured, was taken captive after his convoy was attacked April 9 west of Baghdad. The Army is currently examining dark, grainy video possibly of an execution, but so far they cannot determine the identity of the person, said Maj. Mark Magalski, an Army officer assigned since April to support the Maupin family.

"The Maupin family is doing well right now. They remain optimistic and they remain in good spirits and hopeful for the safe return of Matt," said Beasley, who said this is not his first visit to the Maupins.

The Maupin family is refraining from public comment until Army investigators reach conclusions, said a spokesperson.

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