Demands for release of Libyan prisoner after Jordan ambassador kidnapped

Jordan’s ambassador to Libya has been kidnapped. The abduction has been followed by demands for the release of an Islamist militant being held in Jordan in exchange for the diplomats freedom. In Amman the family of Ambassador Fawaz al-Iltan have been waiting for news after he was snatched from a street in Tripoli. HIs driver was shot and wounded. An official said the kidnappers demanded the release of Mohamed Al-iDresi who was jailed for life in 2007 for plotting to blow up the main airport in Jordan. It is understood the ambassador is unharmed. In Jordan’s parliament the Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said the government would take, “all necessary measures to protect his life and release him”. It is understood no one has claimed responsibility. Kidnappings have become commonplace in Libya with foreign officials often the targets. Five Egyptian diplomats, a Tunisian diplomat and a South Korean trade official have been abducted from the start of the year.