Cairo (CNN) - Egyptian intelligence officers met twice over the past three days with the kidnappers of two Americans and an Egyptian tour guide, but negotiations are at a "stalemate," a senior Egyptian government official told CNN on Monday.

Negotiators have rejected a kidnapper's demand that authorities release his imprisoned uncle immediately, the official said.

"This will not happen. He has to release the hostages first, or else every Bedouin in Sinai will go on a kidnap spree," the official said. "Egypt is a country of law, and this is for the good of the nation. The negotiations are at a stalemate, yet will continue to pursue a resolution."

Two intelligence officers visited the alleged kidnapper, Germy Abu Masouh, on Friday and on Sunday, and have communicated with him by phone, the official said.