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[This edited version of the report has been prepared by Dr Robert N Moles]

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Settlement of defamation action: this is the report of the settlement of the defamation action concerning the McCann family in respect of publications which have cast aspersions upon their inegrity

On 25 October 2007 Richard Holt of the Telegraph reported "McCann parents launch 24-hour phone line"

He said that the parents of Madeleine McCann are to launch a 24-hour phone line staffed by private detectives in a renewed attempt to find their missing daughter. Kate and Gerry McCann will make an appeal on Spanish television for people in Portugal, Spain and north Africa to call with any information on the missing four year old. They are concentrating on these areas because that is where they believe Madeleine is most likely to be, according to Clarence Mitchell, the couple's official spokesman. They are setting up the phone line with the full backing of Portuguese police, Mr Mitchell said.

In what will be the couple's first televised interview since being declared "arguidos", or official suspects, in the case, Mr and Mrs McCann will once again say that they believe their daughter is still alive. Madeleine, who was then three years old, disappeared from the family's rented apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3. They will also say that they welcome the work carried out by the new head of the police investigation, Paulo Rebelo. On his regular internet blog, Mr McCann wrote: "We welcome the announcement from Mr Ribeiro, the National director of the Judicial Police in Portugal, that our friends who were on holiday with us in Portugal are to be re-interviewed. "We do not know how many other ‘witnesses’ will be interviewed but obviously we want to be eliminated from the inquiry as soon as possible. "We constantly hope that one of the other lines of investigation leads to Madeleine being found safe and well."

Mr Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry McCann will today issue a direct, heartfelt appeal to the people of Spain, Portugal and north Africa to ask them for their help in finding their daughter Madeleine. "Kate and Gerry will reiterate their firm belief that Madeleine is still alive, and they will urge anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem to them, to contact a newly-established, confidential 24-hour phone number operated by private detectives based in Spain. "Their renewed appeal is being made with the full knowledge and support of the police in both Portugal and Spain." "Kate and Gerry will also take the opportunity to welcome the fresh approach taken by Paulo Rebelo," said Mr Mitchell. "And they will welcome his team's renewed focus on the search for Madeleine. "Kate and Gerry and their friends will of course continue to cooperate fully with the Portuguese inquiry."

Madeleine vanished from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, while her parents dined nearby with friends. Anyone in Portugal, Spain and north Africa with any information should phone +34 902 300213

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