21.   Last month, the Yemeni government said it would increase security for foreign tourists in an attempt to prevent the kidnappings, which have risen to an unprecedented level.

22.   Meantime, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and FBI Director Louis Freeh appealed in a joint statement for greater cooperation from the Yemeni government.

23.   On Monday, the British Foreign Office said that the Yemeni government assured it that it will not use force to release the hostages.

24.   Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and FBI Director Louis Freeh have appealed for greater cooperation from the Yemeni government.

25.   Roberto Vesperini said that the Yemeni government had negotiated the release of the four tourists.

26.   Since then, Makkawi lived in exile in Egypt and turned down appeals by the current Yemeni government to return home.

27.   Smolin and the Polish ambassador, Christopher Suprowicz, said the Yemeni government was conducting the talks with the tribesmen.

28.   The British Embassy was in contact with the Yemeni government to ensure the safe release of the Mitchells, he said.

29.   That effort has bogged down this week in a dispute with the Yemeni government over FBI access to suspects and witnesses.

30.   The British ambassador had appealed to the Yemeni government to negotiate a solution.