JOLO, Philippines (14 August 2000) -- A deal has been finalized to release all hostages abducted by Abu Sayyaf rebels from Sipadan Island four months ago. According to government officials, Libya has paid $25m for the release of the hostages including three Malaysians, two Germans, three French including a Lebanese-born woman given French citizenship while in custody, two Finns, two South Africans and two Filipinos. The Muslim rebels have also detained a three-member French television crew who were reporting on the crisis. Seven other hostages including six Malaysians and one German woman, Renate Wallert, have already been released in exchange for ransom payments totaling $5.46m. Libya's former ambassador to the Philippines, Rajab Azzarouq, has been meeting with Muslim rebel leaders to negotiate the release of all remaining hostages including a dozen Filipino Christian evangelists. | | Sipadan hostages Government offials said the hostages could be freed within 48 hours and will be flown to Libya after their release. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
