Staff reports 6:44 a.m.
Friday, August 18, 2017 6:45 am

James Foley in the field prior to his abduction in Syria. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - On the eve of the third anniversary of his public beheading by ISIS, the mother of slain journalist James Foley will speak with Trump administration officials today urging them to quickly fill a key hostage negotiator position left vacant with the departure of former president Barack Obama.

Diane Foley of Rochester will try to convince officials that the key position of special envoy for hostage negotiations should be filled immediately since it is a vital link in any potential process to free U.S. hostages held around the world.

James Foley was beheaded in Syria for all the world to see on an ISIS video uploaded on Aug. 19, 2014.

Foley, who grew up in Wolfeboro, was covering the war in Syria when he was abducted in 2012.
The longtime war correspondent had earlier been captured during unrest in Libya, but was released after 44 days in captivity.

Meanwhile, the third annual James W. Foley Freedom Run, a 5K fund-raising run and walk to benefit the James W. Foley Foundation, is set for Oct. 14 at the Rochester Fairgounds.