Algeria: No contact with alleged kidnappers, says government
Some 31 European tourists are still missing in the Algerian desert – and the country’s government has confirmed there has been no contact with the group’s presumed captors.
As previously reported, some of the travellers – 15 Germans, 10 Austrians, four Swiss, a Dutchman and a Swede – have been missing for more than two months. But despite previous reports that the Algerian government had started negotiations with supposed hostage-takers, it yesterday announced that there had been no negotiations – or contact – with anyone.
Thousands of troops have been deployed to look for the tourists, who were travelling in six or seven separate groups, and the Algerian press is said to be reporting that the travellers have been kidnapped.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is still advising Britons against travel to the country – especially to the desert and mountainous areas to the south and east. For the latest advice visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
