From Usāmah Bin Lāden to the French People

This was originally released through al-Jazeera Arabic TV yesterday. This statement is a follow up to AQIM’s statement this past November by their amīr Abū Muṣ’ab ‘Abd al-Wadūd (‘Abd al-Malik Drūkdīl) titled “Any Negotiations For French Hostages Must Be Conducted With Bin Lāden Himself.” Additionally, UBL’s last release was about the French hostages as well, which came out in late October titled “A Letter for the People of France.” Here are some key quotes from the below audio:

President Nicolas Sarkozy’s refusal to remove his forces from Afghanistan is nothing but a green light to kill the French hostages. But we will not do that at the time that he determines to try and finish off with the repercussions of his position, which will cost him dearly inside and outside of France.

We repeat the same message to you: The release of your prisoners in the hands of our brothers is linked to the withdrawal of your soldiers from our countries, its doubt and budget deficit does not need a new front.

As one can see, UBL provides AQIM with sanction to kill hostages if they would like at a time of their choosing. In the tape UBL also gives permission for attacks inside and outside France. As such, it would not be surprising to see more attempted plots and/or attacks against France in the near future.