Natalee's Mom Apologizes To Aruba

Criticisms Of Handling Of Missing Girl's Case Came From Frustration

(CBS/AP)  The mother of an Alabama teenager who vanished apologized Friday for criticizing Aruban authorities' handling of the investigation, saying she spoke out of fear and frustration following the release of two brothers who have been connected to the case.

Beth Holloway Twitty said she never intended to offend Arubans with her remarks Tuesday, which triggered a street protest from citizens frustrated with the negative attention on their Dutch Caribbean island.

"The statements I made on July 5 were fueled by fear and frustration," Holloway Twitty told a news conference. "The Aruban people have been especially kind and generous and especially supportive."

"I would like to apologize to the Aruban people and the Aruban authorities," she added.

Natalee Holloway disappeared May 30 in Aruba while celebrating her graduation from high school in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

Aruban prosecutors have appealed a judge's decision to release the two brothers, Deepak Kalpoe, 21, and Satish Kalpoe, 18, for lack of evidence.

On Tuesday, Holloway Twitty insisted the two brothers were involved in a violent crime against her daughter and pleaded with other countries not to grant them safe haven if they try to leave Aruba.

"Two suspects were released yesterday who were involved in a violent crime against my daughter," she said.

"These criminals are not only being allowed to walk around among the tourists and citizens of Aruba," she said, but there were no limits on where they could go.

That evening, more than 200 people, some wrapped in Aruban flags, said they were incensed by Holloway Twitty's statements.

The protesters said they fear their tiny island nation is falsely being portrayed as not doing enough to find Natalee Holloway.

Two brothers, Deepak Kalpoe, 21, and Satish Kalpoe, 18, who had been held as suspects were released Monday for lack of evidence.

"Respect our Dutch laws or go home," read one sign. "Innocent until proven guilty," read another. One suggested the missing girl might not be dead but partying in Brazil or nearby Venezuela.

Holloway Twitty clarified her remarks Wednesday on CBS News' The Early Show.

"The citizens here have been nothing but respectful and courteous to Jug and I since we've been on the island. And I hope that that is not something that is growing," she said. "And we never meant for this to happen."