Posted 30 minutes ago (before time stamp above)

A spokesman for the Japanese whaling fleet says it will have no choice but to take two detained activists back to Japan if a dispute over their release is not resolved.

"So really, at the moment, nobody wants those men, but they'll be taken back to Tokyo if they don't get off the boat."

The Japanese have offered to return the men, but only if their Sea Shepherd anti-whaling group stops its protests.

Sea Shepherd has rejected the demand.

Source:  http://www.abc.net.au

"Using hostages to make demands is the hallmark of terrorism and Sea Shepherd has no interest in negotiating with terrorist groups," said Captain Paul Watson. "The hostages must be released unconditionally."

The Brisbane-based mother of Mr Potts, Marianne Potts, says she is hoping for the safe release of her son but does not want to say anything which might inflame the situation.

Source:  http://www.seashepherd.org

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