Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja´s statement on the Philippine hostage situation


I am obviously delighted that the negotiations on the release of the hostages after last weekend´s setback have now continued and have resulted in the release of five hostages. However, I cannot be pleased until all the remaining hostages, including the Finns, Seppo Fränti and Risto Vahanen, have been released. It is vitally important that all parties refrain from actions that could delay or endanger the release of the captives.

The Finnish authorities were not informed of the grounds with which the released were selected. It seems the decision was non-negotiable, dictated by the captors.

Should the Finnish hostages also return via Libya after their release, I am prepared to meet them in Tripoli.