afrol News, 23 September - Egyptian government has begun US $6 million ransom negotiations to secure release of 11 foreign tourists and four its citizens who were snatched yesterday in Aswan, in remote southern Egypt.

Five Italians, five Germans and a Romanian were reported to be among tourists. The group was on a trip in Egypt's vast, rugged and mostly uninhabited western desert near Sudanese-Egyptian border when they were kidnapped.

A cabinet spokesman, Magdy Radi said that an earlier announcement by foreign minister that they had been freed and were safe and well, was premature.

According to Egyptian government, hostages were taken across border into Sudan near Gilf al-Kebir plateau, close to Libyan and Sudanese borders. However officials said contact has been made with the kidnappers in Sudan.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit originally reported their release ahead of a meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in New York saying hostages were "safe and sound".

In comments carried late Monday by Egypt's MENA news agency, Mr Zoheir Garana said his government has not been in contact with kidnappers, but did not say how he learned of Germany's negotiations over ransom.

MENA said there were reports the kidnappers are demanding up to $15 million. In comments made earlier Monday, Mr Garana has said the Egyptian tour company that organized the trip also negotiated with the kidnappers, who he said demanded up to $6 million in ransom.

Germany's Foreign Ministry said that it had formed a "crisis team" on the abduction.

Another group of foreigners was held at gunpoint in February and three of their vehicles were taken. An investigation at the time pointed blame at smugglers and bandits.

There has been criticism that Egyptian military has not done enough to patrol the area despite increased threat.

Kidnaps of foreigners in Egypt have been very uncommon in recent years.

But there has been a series of bombings targeted at tourists in resorts in Sinai Peninsula between 2004 and 2006. Egypt blamed Sinai attacks on a group of Bedouin with militant Islamist views.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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