Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja hastens the release of the hostages in the Philippines

Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja sent a letter concerning the hostage situation to the Philippine Foreign Minister Domingo Siazon on Thursday, 17 August. In his letter, he stated his concern over the fact that while the negotiations on the release of the hostages have many times seemed close to reaching an agreement, the implementation of the release has been delayed.

Mr Tuomioja urged the negotiators to do their utmost to facilitate the release of the hostages without delay. The primary concern is the well-being of the hostages, he reminded. Their ordeal has lasted for nearly four months now and every additional day will heighten their and their families´ suffering. The abduction must be ended, Mr Tuomioja emphasised in his letter.