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Well spotted buy worth clarifying that according to Ennahar they: "were arrested on the road to the town of Tinzaouatine in the province [or wilaya] of Tamanrasset" which is the size of the UK.
Tin Z is 600km from Tam (and it has to be said, the one place the Algies would be watching out for these guys). Ch |
Medicine supplied to sick hostage
Francoise Larribe has receieved a package of medicine.
Negotiations are described as difficult. More details here: Sick French hostage given medicine: News24: Africa: News |
"Reports that 3 terrorists from Abu Zeids group intercepted near Tamanrasset, destined for North Algeria with funds for Droukdal....apparently had 100,000Euros cash on them."
This kind of operation ican be one reason of the restriction of travel for tourist in the area.. RR |
Droukdal saying to negotiate with Bin Laden for the release of the French hostages:
AQIM demands Afghan withdrawal in return for French hostages | News by Country | Reuters |
Statement by YouTube:
The Conditions of the Mujahideen for the release of the French prisoners Regards Ulrich |
Ennahar Online - Toumani convinced that the French hostages were dispersed
Mali rules out rescue mission for French hostages | Top News | Reuters Quote:
France in contact with Mali hostage-takers | RFI |
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Long silence about the Areva kidnappings. At least they are said to be alive
Otages du Niger : « Ils sont vivants », selon la présidente d’Areva en visite à Marcoule - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq Quote:
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French Woman Has Been Released!
AFP: French, Malagasy, Togolese hostages freed in Niger
Quote:
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€90m demanded for the last 4 hostages
Nearly forgotten about with all that's going on...
Ennahar Online - AQIM claimed 90 million euros to free hostages in the Sahel Ch |
90 million no doubt reflects the perceived value of uranium - given that the uraniium mine will feel responsible.
It is an order of magnitude escalation over previous ransoms. |
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Hi All,
I can't find anything new about the French remaining in AQIM's hands - are they still alive? It's been a very long time now... Kobus |
I think I'm right in saying that the French from Arlit have been held longer than any other hostage taken by AQIM (or GSPC) in the Sahara. Negotiations are no doubt bogged down with the complicated relationship France has with AQIM (officially at war), the fact that a company is involved and the size of the ransom. AQIM are also probably bolder now that they have the military kit fetched recently from Libya. Some say that AQIM are in a better position to defend their HQs, especially from helicopter attacks. AQIM may also be aware that many hostages in Somalia have been held for 10-12 months too.
Kobus - you must be one of the few westerners in the last year or so to pass through Arlit! |
Ennahar Online - French hostages in Niger: families await "effective initiatives"
"July 5, the French Defence Minister Gerard Longuet stated about four French kidnapped in Niger: "We have no news, either positive or negative." It is impossible for the French to pay any sort of ransom as things are. Otoh, they have met one of the demands - they are removing troops from Afghanistan. |
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