2 bits of news...
The Algerian military have indicated that group 2 has been subdivided in a region with more plentiful water. So the problems of release might take longer.

In the meantime, there is a call to publicise the reasons for the abductions, namely the annulment of the 1992 Algerian elections which the Islamicists were poised to win democratically.

Two of the party released recently have issued the following statement which is available to radio services likely to be broadcast in North Africa:

Christoph Langes and Roland Mayr
Of the group one week ago of the freed hostages, permit to address us this message to the Mudschaheddins of the GSPC. We are again in our country, surrounded by our families and friends. We are well, but the fate of the others still in Algeria held European affects us much. From now on Europe Algeria sees differently. The message, to it us asked to convey, is being spread. We were allowed to become acquainted with the Islam as a humane religion with extremely high moral values. We have you as humans deeply felt, ready are their ideals to be defended. If the weapons had not been, we would have become friends. The life situation in your country cannot be improved, if one weapons and force uses, but only if one uses the way of the dialogue and the love. While the 50 days, which we spent with you, have we proven that we can live despite the different faith directions together and respect the other one. For this reason we ask to set the Emir and the Mudschaheddins of the GSPC an indication of the peace and release our friends.