Britain seeks news of hostages

PHNOM PENH - Britain, Australia and France publicly urged the Cambodian government to clarify whether Mark Slater, a British backpacker from Corby, Northamptonshire, and his two companions were alive or dead. Phnom Penh still insists their fate is unknown, although a Cambodian general said Mr Slater, Australian David Wilson, and Frenchman Jean-Michel Braquet were killed a month ago and buried in the jungle.

General Sok Bunsoeun said the three were killed on the orders of General Paet, the local Khmer Rouge commander, when government forces mounted an assault on his base. The guerrilla leader escaped when the base fell a few days ago. AFP