| Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC June 21, 2001 Taken Question at the June 21, 2001 daily press briefing. Philippines: Libyan Involvement in Hostage Negotiation?Question: Any response to reported Libyan involvement in mediating the release of the hostages being held in the Philippines? Answer: We have no confirmation of Libya’s reported involvement. However, several weeks ago, Libyan representatives did involve themselves in the effort to gain the release of some hostages in the Philippines in exchange for ransom. The completely predictable result was that more hostages were taken captive. U.S. policy against paying ransom is clear, and the Government of the Philippines has stated publicly its opposition to paying ransom for hostages. The United States would oppose any Libyan effort to mediate the current hostage situation for the purpose of paying ransom to the terrorists. |
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