Relatives of three Spanish aid workers taken hostage by the North African branch of al-Qaeda in late November made a public plea Wednesday for the Spaniards' release on "humanitarian grounds.", dpa reported.
The statement says one of the kidnap victims is suffering from a gunshot wound sustained during the abduction.
The two men and one woman were kidnapped in Mauritania from their car, which was the last in an aid convoy. Authorities believe they are being held in Mali.
Al-Andalus, the media arm of the Algerian-based al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), has taken responsibility for the abduction.
The Spanish government has been in contact with the workers via a middle man and has sent medicines for the wounded man.
According to Spanish daily El Mundo, the kidnappers have said they will release the three aid workers in exchange for a ransom and the release of imprisoned AQIM members from Mauritanian detention.
A fourth French hostage is also believed to be held by AQIM along with the Spanish hostages.
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