ALGERIAN TOURIST UPDATE:

Algerian security forces and two helicopters have been seen near the border with Mali where 14 Europeans are being held hostage, sources told AFP in the Kidal region.

“I have seen dozens of armed Algerian soldiers, and two Algerian military helicopters near the border with Mali,” said an official who returned from the area.

Another source also confirmed the presence of Algerian troops and two helicopters in the Algerian town of Bordj Mokhtar, about 10 kilometers (six miles) from Mali.

I guess somebody thinks the negotations aren’t certain to pan out.