AQIM Offers Deadline Extension on Austrian Hostages

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Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Evan Kohlmann Monday, 17 March 2008 19:00

The NEFA Foundation has obtained and translated a March 17, 2008 communiqué issued by "the Al-Qaida Network in the Islamic Maghreb" (formerly known as the Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat, GSPC) granting Austria an extension to respond to their conditions for the release of two Austrian hostages. The statement declares, "Following the expiration of the three-day period given to the state of Austria to resolve the issue of the two kidnapped tourists--and after we accepted the request of the negotiating delegation--we wish to inform the public that the mujahideen have decided to grant Austria an additional week-long extension, starting last night at midnight. This is the final chance offered by the mujahideen (to the Austrians) to keep a clean conscience in dealing with the two families of the kidnapped persons and the Austrian people."

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