Anger at Malaysia hostage talks

The hostages ' ordeal began on April 23

Malaysian diplomats have held face-to-face talks with the kidnappers holding 21 hostages in the Philippines, it has been revealed.

The move was condemned by Filipino officials, who said it could jeopardise official attempts to negotiate an end to the crisis on the island of Jolo.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the meeting had involved the Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines and four rebel commanders, whose demand were "rather vague".

He said the talks were aimed at freeing all the hostages, not just the nine Malaysians among them. He insisted the move had been sanctioned by Manila.

German Renate Wallert has hypertension

But officials in Manila and on Jolo condemned the move. The Philippines Executive Secretary, Ronaldo Zamora, said that Malaysia was in a difficult position but its action was not appropriate.

"The majority of the hostages are Malaysian and we understand their interest and concern.

"But if you ask us we discourage this kind of unilateral activity because it confuses negotiations," Mr Zamora said.

Cut short

Tension has been increased on the island since a grenade attack on Thursday on the main market in Jolo town, which left at least seven people dead.

President Joseph Estrada cut short an official visit to China and returned home on Friday.

The hostages were taken to the island of Jolo after being captured on a Malaysian island on April 23 by Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels.

As well as the nine Malaysians, the kidnappers are holding three Germans, two French people, two South Africans, two Finns, two Filipinos and one Lebanese man.