Manila Rejects Talks with Kidnappers
The Philippines military has rejected calls by Muslim rebels to negotiate for the release of hostages. The Abu Sayyaf have offered to negotiate over the release of two Americans and about nine Filipinos they are holding on the southern island of Basilan. The group, accused by the US of having links with Osama Bin Laden's militant al-Qaeda network – have evaded capture for more than five months. Full Story