LAS PALMAS, Spain—The aid worker Alicia Gámez excitedly thanked the efforts of the Spanish government, and expressed her hope for the prompt release of her two colleagues still being held by al-Qaeda, “My happiness will be complete only when Albert and Roque return.”
During a press conference upon her arrival in Barcelona, Gámez said the kidnappers treated them “well within the limitations of the desert.”
Alicia Gámez and two other aid workers from the Spanish organizatoin Solidária Acció Catalonia were kidnapped by al-Qaeda in North Africa 101 days ago, on Nov. 29, 2009.
The three were assaulted by the kidnappers while driving as part of a humanitarian convoy on a central highway in Mauritania. Later, they were moved to Northern Mali.
Al-Qaeda has recently gained strength in the Maghreb area of North Africa, making the five-country region that includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania, the focus of increasing concern.
Spanish Vice President Maria Teresa Fernández de la Vega, said that no ransom was paid, which has been contradicted by other sources. The newspaper El Mundo reported that €2 million (US$2.7 million) had been paid and that the kidnappers would collect €4 million (US$5.4 million) more for the liberation of the other two members of the NGO.
De la Vega has made it clear that the Spanish government will continue to devote all efforts to secure the release of the remaining two hostages in the shortest time possible, stating that their families “have the affection and solidarity of the government.”
During a press conference upon her arrival in Barcelona, Gámez said the kidnappers treated them “well within the limitations of the desert.”
Alicia Gámez and two other aid workers from the Spanish organizatoin Solidária Acció Catalonia were kidnapped by al-Qaeda in North Africa 101 days ago, on Nov. 29, 2009.
The three were assaulted by the kidnappers while driving as part of a humanitarian convoy on a central highway in Mauritania. Later, they were moved to Northern Mali.
Al-Qaeda has recently gained strength in the Maghreb area of North Africa, making the five-country region that includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Mauritania, the focus of increasing concern.
Spanish Vice President Maria Teresa Fernández de la Vega, said that no ransom was paid, which has been contradicted by other sources. The newspaper El Mundo reported that €2 million (US$2.7 million) had been paid and that the kidnappers would collect €4 million (US$5.4 million) more for the liberation of the other two members of the NGO.
De la Vega has made it clear that the Spanish government will continue to devote all efforts to secure the release of the remaining two hostages in the shortest time possible, stating that their families “have the affection and solidarity of the government.”
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