The Italian government is seeking to verify whether or not a group linked to Al Qaeda may be responsible for the kidnapping of two Italians in Mauritania earlier this month, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said.

On Sunday, a man claiming to be the media representative of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb said the group had carried out the kidnapping and that it was in response to ”crimes committed by the Italian government in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Speaking on Italian television, Frattini said his ministry was first of all trying to ascertain the authenticity of the claim and that, in any case, Italy has no intention of negotiating with terrorists, reports ANSA.

“Anyone who has anything to do with terrorists helps them. And even if we were to say ‘we’ll talk’ just this one time, we would be legitimising a terrorist organisation,” the foreign minister added. Frattini said his ministry would continue to maintain a news black out on developments concerning the fate of Palermo resident Sergio Cicala, 64, and his Burkina Faso-born wife Philomene Kabouree. The couple was reported missing after their bullet-ridden camper van was discovered in Mauritania on December 20.The foreign minister explained last week that a total news blackout on efforts to contact the kidnappers and obtain the release of the hostages was essential to ensure their safety because ‘’suppositions only make the matter worse.”

Related articles by Zemanta

• Al-Qaida claims Italian kidnappings in W. Africa (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• World Briefing | Africa: Mauritania: Al Qaeda Claims Captives (nytimes.com)
• Al Qaeda Claims Italian Kidnappings In Mauritania (huffingtonpost.com)