LOC14:25
11:25 GMT
PARIS, July 2 (KUNA) -- A senior French military leader said here Friday
that two hostages from "France 3" television station kidnapped six months ago
in Afghanistan were alive.
The two men, Herve Gheisquiere and Stephane Taponier, were lifted by Afghan
gunmen December 29, despite being under the protection of French forces.
Defense Ministry sources said that the men did not obey rules that had been
set out and had left their security in the hands of three Afghan fixers, who
were also allegedly kidnapped.
The two journalists were criticized by French authorities, including
President Nicolas Sarkozy, for acting irresponsibly and some people even
suggested they should pay for the cost of getting their release.
Military authorities said that cost had been millions of dollars already.
The French government is currently preparing legislation to force tourists
who get kidnapped in dangerous areas to either getting insurance to get them
home, or of facing costs for their release if these are paid for by the
government.
But journalists and humanitarian workers would be exempt from the
legislation because they take risks associated with their work and not for
pleasure like some tourists might do.
Speaking on "Europe 1" radio Friday, the French military Chief of Staff
Edouard Guillaud said that he was optimistic the journalists would be released
before the end of the summer.
Recent contacts with the kidnappers apparently prove that the two men are
alive, but Guillaud said he had no information on their health after six
months in captivity.
"We are doing absolutely everything in the power of our country since the
first day" of the kidnapping in order to get the hostages back, he said.
He said the talks with the kidnappers were being carried out by the French
Foreign Intelligence Service (DGSE) and not the French army. (End)
jk.ajs
KUNA 021425 Jul 10NNNN