Spanish Hostages: AQIM wants 5 million dollars and the release of Islamists
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MADRID - Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) asked the Spanish government $ 5 million (3.7 million euros) in ransom and the release of imprisoned Islamists in Mauritania, in exchange for the two Spanish hostages, according to the newspaper « El Pais » on Friday.
- The daily quoted sources close to negotiations and a statement of AQIM which he claims to have had access prior to publication on Friday during the day.
Wednesday, a Spanish woman, Alicia Gamez, was released by AQMI after three months of captivity in northern Mali. She had been kidnapped with two other men still being held.
This release is a positive initiative forcing (Spain) to respond positively to our legitimate demands which are the sole condition so that the other citizens (Spanish) are released unharmed," the statement said.
AQMI does not detail the "legitimate demands" but El Pais, quoting sources close to negotiations says that it is the payment of a ransom of 5 million dollars and the release of several Islamist prisoners held in Nouakchott’s central prison.
Alicia Gamez was taken hostage on November 29 with two companions of the Catalan NGO Barcelona Accio Solidaria, Roque Pascual and Albert Vilalta, on a road near Nouakchott. The hostages were then transported to northern Mali.
A photo of the three hostages with on their side heavily armed men, taken at an unspecified date, was published Friday in the A El Pais, which also broadcasts a video on its website.
AQIM says Ms. Gamez was released due to ill health and because she had converted to Islam. A "voluntary" conversion, according to the organization, which claims that Ms. Gamez is Now named "Aisha".
However, according to El Pais, the doctor who examined Ms. Gamez found her in good health, and the daily speculates that these reasons were merely pretexts.
The newspaper El Mundo said on Thursday that a ransom of two million dollars was paid for the release of Mrs. Gamez. The government has denied paying any ransom.
- Ennaharonline/ M. O.
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