Full text: Abu Sayyaf statement read by Burnhams

(CNN) -- In a video released Thursday by Reuters news agency U.S. missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham held hostage by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in the southern Philippines read the following statement twice:

"I, Martin Burnham and my wife Gracia, both U.S. citizens, were taken captive on May 27, 2001 at the Dos Palmas resort in Palawan by the Al Qaeda's 'Al Harakatul Islamiah,' or known as the Abu Sayyaf group.

EXTRA INFORMATION Abu Sayyaf: Militants in the Philippines

"They are targeting U.S., European and citizens of other Western nations for the following reasons:

"One, the continued desecration of the island of Arabia, especially Mecca and Medina, by the presence U.S. and European troops and their business interests;

"Two, their support of the illegitimate regime that occupies Palestine and the holy city of Jerusalem;

"Three, the continued sanctions on Iraq and Libya that results in the deaths and sufferings of countless Muslim men, women and children;

"Four, their indifference to the plight of the Muslims in Chechnya, Kashmir and other Muslim minorities in China, Kosovo, Burma and others who are being persecuted by their governments;

"Five, their support for the Philippine government's illegal and immoral annexation and occupation of Muslim lands."