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Italian al-Qaida Captive Speaks on Audiotape

   VOA News  February 18, 2011

   An Italian woman kidnapped in Algeria in early February has said in an
   audiotape  that  she  is  being  held  by  the North African branch of
   al-Qaida.
   Her  message  was  aired  by  Dubai-based  Al Arabiya television early
   Friday.
   The  woman,  who  identified  herself as Maria Sandra Mariani, said in
   French  that she was kidnapped February 2 and is being held by members
   of  al-Qaida in Islamic Maghreb. She said she wanted Al Arabiya to air
   her statement.
   Reports  say  the  woman  was  kidnapped  near  the  town of Djanet in
   southeastern Algeria.

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