U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE DAILY PRESS BRIEFING Briefer: Richard Boucher, Spokesman THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2000, 1:15 P.M. (ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED) QUESTION: What's your understanding of the circumstances under which Mr. Schilling has become a hostage of the Abu Sayyaf Group? MR. BOUCHER: We have been in touch with Mr. Schilling's family in the United States and what we've learned is that he is a Moslem. He was in the Philippines to pursue his interest in Islam. In addition to expressing their concern to him, his family has conveyed to us the fact that he suffers from some long-term health problems. He does require regular prescription medication. Frankly, we see no advantage to continuing to hold Mr. Schilling, and for humanitarian reasons alone, we think he should be released quickly and safely. QUESTION: Can you be a little bit more specific about what kind - what do you mean by long-term health problems? MR. BOUCHER: No, I can't. QUESTION: Is he a victim of sectarian strife or difference, which is not unusual in the Muslim world? MR. BOUCHER: No, I don't know that that's the issue. He's a Moslem. He went there to pursue -- QUESTION: Well, maybe he's not the right kind of Muslim -- MR. BOUCHER: -- his interest in Islam. And he's being held against his will. He needs medication. We think for humanitarian reasons he should be released. QUESTION: Is it your understanding that even though he may be held against his will, that he actually went to visit the Abu Sayyaf group of his own, voluntarily, and then got caught up in -- MR. BOUCHER: I don't think we have that kind of detail. But clearly whatever the circumstances, he's no longer there of his free will. And he should be released. He has medical problems. QUESTION: Are you willing to accept the Libyan help to free him? MR. BOUCHER: We're not interested in third-party mediation. We're not seeking mediation efforts by third countries, despite misquotes that may have appeared in the newspapers this morning. The Government of the Philippines is in charge of the effort. We are certainly willing to see negotiations by the Government of the Philippines, but I think our policies on concessions and ransom and those sorts of things are well known. We do have close contact with the Philippine authorities. We have some Embassy people and other advisors down in the region to work with the Philippine Government, but the Philippine Government is in the lead in their efforts to secure his release. QUESTION: There were some reports yesterday by US officials, and now the Philippine officials, that are saying that this may not be a kidnapping situation after all and that - I mean, it sounds a little bit farfetched that this might be like a propaganda tool that he is still there on his own free accord and is not being held against his will. MR. BOUCHER: I think I have to say our understanding - and I think that means the understanding of the Philippine Government who is working on this as well - is that he is there against his will. QUESTION: But they do have evidence from eyewitness - apparently, these Philippine officials are saying that they have evidence from eyewitness accounts. MR. BOUCHER: Once again, our understanding is that he is there against his will. (The briefing was concluded at 1:55 P.M.)
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