He declined to answer questions on his meeting with the Party of God.

"They have changed their tactics," said a high official within the Party of God.

Increased financial support helped the Party of God recruit more members, according to the reports.

Government officials said the move was possible because the Party of God agreed to cooperate.

The Party of God has denied holding the foreign hostages.

But the Party of God has repeatedly denied it was involved in hostage taking.

The radio said the village had been turned into a hideout for the Party of God.

The Party of God in turn asserted that its forces were holding on to their positions there.

We're willing to hold out for a few more days, provided they finish off the Party of God.

"There were material and human losses in the raid," the Party of God said.