By TOM MALITI, Associated Press Writer 11 minutes ago ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia s prime minister said Monday that officials have a good idea of the whereabouts of five Europeans kidnapped in one of the country s most remote, inhospitable regions. The victims were "at the wrong place at the wrong time," he said. "We do not have any specific demand from any of the personalities involved," he added.
"Nobody has so far claimed responsibility. To some extent, that might be a positive thing." Their SUVs, which had diplomatic plates, were discovered March 5 riddled with bullet holes and grenade shrapnel in Hamedali.
They still contained the victims luggage, shoes and cell phones, suggesting robbery was not a motive. Meles refused to detail where the hostages were being held, saying he did not want to jeopardize their safety. "So far they are safe and well.
I expect that they will be kept safe and well," he said. Afar is near the disputed border between Ethiopia and archrival Eritrea, an area littered with land mines from numerous conflicts. Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have been strained since Eritrea gained independence from Addis Ababa in 1993 following a 30-year guerrilla war.
The two fought a two-year border war that ended in 2000.
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