US slams Libya over Philippines "ransom"

The United States has expressed concern at reports that Libya is prepared to pay ransom money to Muslim separatists holding foreigners hostage on Jolo in the southern Philippines.

Libya said it would provide millions of dollars for development of Muslim communities if the hostages were freed.

It denied that the promised payment was ransom money.

Reports from Manila say Libya is now discussing payment of one-million dollars for the release of each hostage.

An American State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher, said Washington opposed to the payment of any ransom, whatever the case.

In Jolo, the rebels have released another local hostage.

They're still holding twenty-seven people, including twelve foreigners.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service