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Hostage Tourists in Mali, Maybe
EFL
The group of European tourists taken hostage in Algeria in March and February, including one Dutchman, are believed to have arrived in Mali where they are expected to be released. However a German woman died en route. The kidnappers are believed to have buried the mother of two in the desert and despite the fact the German Foreign Affairs Ministry in Berlin refused to confirm the death, it has also been reported that diplomats informed the family earlier in the day of the tragedy. The other surviving tourists include nine Germans and four Swiss nationals. They had been held in mountain hideouts and were often forced to move, but Algerian forces freed 17 other hostages in May, a German DPA news report said. The Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) is believed to be responsible for the kidnappings. An Algerian newspaper reported on Monday that the tourists were reportedly making a 1,200km trip to Mali, which borders Algeria to the south, after a deal had been reached securing their release.
Thought they were there last week?
But Algerian Interior Minister Mohamed Yazid Zerhouni said the hostages on Monday were still on Algerian soil. Despite this, German security officials now believe the group has reached Mali. A German ARD news report said events are moving quickly and both sides are keen to end the stand-off as soon as possible. Algerian troops are believed to have offered the GSPC terrorists safe passage to Mali in exchange for the release of the hostages.
I’d be very suprised if some money hasn’t changed hands.
Posted by: Steve 2003-07-29
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=17048