Reports of the kidnapping of five Germans, five Italians and a Romanian and their four Egyptian guides first appeared in the media Monday, but it is unclear exactly when the group was abducted.
"Talks on the payment of ransom for the release of the tourists are currently underway," Tourism Minister Zoheir Garranah said in interview with MENA news agency, without mentioning any sum.
Meanwhile, Al Arabiya news channel reported that the abductors were demanding a ransom of $15 million.
The Egyptian Tourism Ministry said earlier that the kidnappers were ordinary criminals and not part of any terrorist or extremist organization.
Reported by RIA Novosti
CNN reports that "tourist group started their safari last week in Dakhla in western Sahara Desert, near Morocco, Rady said.
"Egyptian authorities became aware of the kidnapping through the wife of the safari company owner. Egyptian TV, citing a senior official, reported that the owner telephoned his wife and said the kidnappers were asking for a ransom payment.
"An Italian foreign ministry official urged the media to be cautious about reporting possible misinformation, because it could jeopardize negotiation efforts."
