Japan seeks Jordan's help in freeing hostage

A Japanese diplomat emerged from talks in Jordan with no signs of progress in securing the release of a freelance journalist held hostage by the extremist Islamic State group.

Japanese officials refused direct comment on the contents of the talks in Jordan, where Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Yasuhide Nakayama is coordinating regional efforts to save hostage Kenji Goto.

The Islamic State group said in an online video on January 20 that it had two Japanese hostages and would kill them within 72 hours unless Japan paid it $200 million — the same amount Tokyo recently pledged in aid to nations fighting the militants.

— AP