Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has demanded that “any negotiations must be done with Osama bin Laden and according to his conditions” for the release of five French nationals abducted in Niger. An audio with the voice of suspected AQIM leader Abu Mossab Abdelouadoud calls for the withdrawal of all French coalition forces in Afghanistan. France has been willing to negotiate for the release of the hostages and is in contact with AQIM in Mali.
