Missing tourists in Algeria - Latest

[Mostafa]

Libya isn't paying, just handing over European money.

Interesting theory about Libya's role: http://www.triotours.com/saharamissi...cial-libya.htm

[ag]

Hy all!
Let me say that, at the moment, concerning the 15 missed tourists... in my opinion this manouver is probably the only one that could solve the situation... so, for other aspects will be better to wait... don't you?

Enjoy!

[Sam Rutherford]

Out of interest, who is paying?

Sam.

[Mostafa]

They say the German, Swiss, Dutch and Austrian governments.

[PeterM]

Just to reduce desinformation: There was no request for ransom reaching Austria at any time, and Libyan offers to mediate were turned down in Germany (oh, sorry, to stay in tune with the official language: "Libya did not offer..")

Peter

[Mostafa]

That is not what As-Saadi Khadaffi told German radio: http://www.triotours.com/saharamissing/030527-libya.htm

[PeterM]

..that's the point: There is one position by the Libyans, and a completely different (and confirmed) one by German authorities. We have an idea what's the Libyan rationale behind, but no explanation for the Germans.

[Mostafa]

More speculation or could this be it? Let's hope so

http://www.triotours.com/saharamissi...17-elwatan.htm

[Mostafa]

German radio says the kidnappers have moved their hostages to Mali.

In English: http://www.triotours.com/saharamissing/030718-zdf.htm

In German:
http://www.heute.t-online.de/ZDFheut...055923,00.html

[Mostafa]

So, are they in Mali or not?

"Malian army in state of alert":
http://www.triotours.com/saharamissing/030720-afp.htm

[Mostafa]

German TV says the hostages are in Mali or at least on their way, Algerian papers say they're heading for Libya...

http://www.triotours.com/saharamissing/030721-ard.htm

[Richard Washington]

"German TV says the hostages are in Mali or at least on their way, Algerian papers say they're heading for Libya..."

and the third press agency to enter the fray will no doubt explain that the group has been split in two!

[PeterM]

Let's try annother question: Who draws which profit from which scenario?

Peter

[Richard Washington]

Without knowing whether a ransom has been asked for, it is difficult to be clear about any possible motivations. Reports from the group released earlier were that the hostage takers wanted publicity for their cause.

But if a ransom has been asked for, the difficulty the authorities must surely face is whether they pay up to get the 15 back safely, or whether doing so just makes the future more unsafe for everyone because a precendent will have been set.

[chris]

Also an article in today's Sunday Telegraph, pg 27... nothing new to report, just regurjitation of the various information/ disinformation/ rumours.

ChrisB