Libya Paid Five Million Euro for Sahara Hostages

21/08/2003| IslamWeb

Libya paid a ransom of five million euros "on its own initiative" to the abductors of 14 European hostages who were released this week after being held for months in the Sahara desert, diplomats said. The money passed "neither through Malian nor German hands," the diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity after the freed hostages returned home safely Wednesday in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Another diplomat, who also requested anonymity, confirmed the assertion. The money was paid to the abductors' leader through an intermediary chosen by Tripoli, the diplomats said, without naming the go-between or stating where or when the transaction took place. Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi, looking for "international respectability," probably made the gesture to "settle scores," the second diplomat said. Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure cited Libya as being among the countries that assisted in resolving the crisis when the ex-hostages were delivered to officials from their home countries at a ceremony Tuesday in Bamako. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Freed European hostages wait to meet with President Amadou Toumani Toure in Bamako. (AFP/Seyllou)