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Japan looks to Jordan to free remaining IS hostage

By Amy R. Connolly
Japanese leaders are working with Jordanian officials in an effort to save the life of Islamic State hostage Kenji Goto. Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, refused to pay a $200 million ransom for Haruna Yukawa, who IS claims has been beheaded. Filel Photo by by Mohamad Torokman/Pool/UPI
Japanese leaders are working with Jordanian officials in an effort to save the life of Islamic State hostage Kenji Goto. Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, refused to pay a $200 million ransom for Haruna Yukawa, who IS claims has been beheaded. Filel Photo by by Mohamad Torokman/Pool/UPI | License Photo

TOKYO, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Japanese leaders are looking to Jordan for help in an effort to save Islamic State hostage Kenji Goto after the terror group demanded the release of a Jordanian bombing suspect in exchange.

On Saturday, the IS said it killed hostage Haruna Yukawa because Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe failed to provide a $200 million ransom. The IS said it wants Sajedah Rishawi, an alleged bomber who is being held in Jordan, to be released to save Goto's life. Japanese leaders would not comment directly on talks with Jordanian officials, but said they are working cooperatively.

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"At the same time, Japan will not give in to terrorism. Our position of actively contributing to the counterterrorism efforts by the international community remains unchanged," Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.

Late Sunday, Islamic State leaders said in a radio broadcast the group had beheaded Yukawa. The claim has not been independently verified.

"The Islamic State has carried out its threat," the IS said on its radio service, al-Bayan, The Telegraph reported. "It has executed Japanese hostage Haruna Yukawa after the expiry of the deadline given."

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Japan and Jordan officials were saying little about how they will respond to the demand for Rishawi's release, The Japan Times said.

Suga told reporters the government is using the "utmost efforts by using all channels available" to deal with the threats.

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