31.   He allegedly violated Yemeni laws by insulting Yemeni authorities, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

32.   In addition, Yemeni authorities have been cracking down on another group, the Islamic Jihad, of which Aden-Abyan is an offshoot.

33.   In Berlin, the German Foreign Ministry said Yemeni authorities had begun negotiating with the kidnappers.

34.   In London, a Foreign Office spokesman said Britain was in touch with Yemeni authorities.

35.   In the past two days, Yemeni authorities have arrested four men who live in Aden, the sources said.

36.   It said Yemeni authorities have yet to decide on his request.

37.   Negotiations between Yemeni authorities and the kidnappers, who are from the Bani Zabyan tribe, were continuing, the spokesman said.

38.   No immediate statement about the arrests was issued by Yemeni authorities.

39.   No U.S. operatives participated in the operation, but Yemeni authorities have apprised American officials of the search, an Interior Ministry official said on condition of anonymity.

40.   Opposition parties on Tuesday defied Yemeni authorities and urged voters to boycott upcoming elections.