ASG wants to dialogue with Dureza

Zamboanga City – Ranking leaders of the Abu Sayyaf bandits holding captive Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad want to talk with Presidential Peace Adviser lawyer Jesus Dureza to discuss issues prior to releasing Sekkingstad from their mountain lair. Abu Rami, the self-proclaimed spokesman of the bandits aired the group’s request at noon yesterday during the Zamboanga-Basilan Connection program over RMN-DxRZ radio here. The spokesman said they have long wanted to talk with Dureza about issues concerning the group which apparently where ignored in the past before releasing Sekkingstad. The group is reportedly “waiting for some individuals or group of individuals” within the week “to negotiate” with them for the release of Sekkingstad. Abu Rami also allowed Sekkingstad to talk on radio and air his plea to both Philippine and  Norwegian governments. “I strongly appeal and ask for help from the Philippine government and from the Norwegian government, for as you know [...]