The French government shunned Monday to comment on the 20-day deadline set by al-Qaeda's North African branch to kill a French hostage, but stressed "full discretion" on the issue.
Al-Qaeda wing in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) threatened to kill Pierre Camatte if French and Malian governments refused to meet its demand of
releasing four militants captured by Mali several months ago, in a statement posted on a website used by al-Qaeda on Sunday.
The deadline began on Sunday. When questioned about the issue, French Foreign Ministry responded: "We do not comment on such statement. Regarding the situation of our compatriot, we remain fully mobilized and stick to full discretion."
The ministry didn't reveal any details on the process of the negotiation, but local media reports said the terrorism group had claimed for a ransom as well.
Pierre Camatte, 61, was kidnapped from his hotel on the night of Nov. 25 last year in Mali.
Last May, a British hostage Edwin Dyer held for months was executed by AQIM after authorities refused their demand of releasing an al-Qaeda member.
AQIM has claimed responsibility for series of terrorism attacks in Algeria and other countries in North African region.