Posted on 09/13/2004 3:30:40 PM PDT by Jane_N
An Iraqi group says it has abducted two Australians and two East Asians in another spiral of Iraq's grim series of hostage-takings, as Italy stepped up efforts to free two women aid workers.
Australia said it was "moving heaven and earth" to investigate the claim, which came in a statement issued in the name of the "Horror Brigades" of the Islamic Secret Army.
The statement, handed out in the Sunni Muslim insurgent bastion of Samarra, gave Australia 24 hours to end its involvement in Iraq or the hostages would be executed.
The self-styled Horror Brigades calls itself the northern armed wing of the Secret Islamic Army, whose Holders of the Black Banners unit claimed the execution of two Pakistani hostages in late July.
In Kuwait City, visiting Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini called for the release of two Italian female charity workers, Simona Pari and Simona Torreta, seized in Baghdad last week and also threatened with execution.
He said Rome would not withdraw its troops from Iraq as demanded by one of two groups claiming to hold the women. "We will leave Iraq when Iraqis will be able to keep security and democracy," he told a press conference.
"We are there to help security on the ground only under request by Iraqis themselves. We are there to rebuild hospitals, schools and water infrastructure."
In a separate development, grisly footage was posted on an Islamist website of the execution of a Turkish hostage by Islamic militants last month.
In the video, three masked kidnappers are pictured slitting the throat of a blindfold Durmus Kumdereli, one of three Turkish truck drivers seized by the Tawhid wal Jihad (Unity and Holy War) group of alleged al-Qaeda operative Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi in August.
And in Paris, officials appeared to be resigned to the long haul in efforts to free two French journalists who have now been held for three weeks.
The statement in Iraq claiming the abduction of the Australians said they and the two East Asians "were working as security contractors for important people".
"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance," it added.
It called on Australian Prime Minister John Howard to announce the pullout in person "if he is concerned about his two citizens".
Australia still has about 850 troops in and around Iraq and their presence has been a key issue in campaigning for national elections on October 9.
A spokesman for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the government had been in touch with its Baghdad embassy and other sources to check the claim.
In Kuwait, Frattini told officials in the emirate's Great Mosque: "I also feel solidarity with all the hostages, who include the two Italian hostages who were in Iraq for the service of the Iraqi people."
Italy, another US ally in Iraq, has rejected a purported 24-hour ultimatum from one of the groups threatening to kill the pair if Rome does not withdraw its troops. The other group had earlier demanded that Italy promise to release Muslim female prisoners in Iraq.
Frattini is also set to appear on the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya and Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television channels.
In Paris, the foreign ministry recalled an envoy sent to Baghdad last month to lead diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, but insisted its strategy had not changed.
French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said there were indications that the two "are alive and well-treated" but he again stressed the importance of being cautious.
The recall of the top diplomat, Hubert Colin de Verdiere, showed Paris was preparing for what could be a drawn-out hostage situation.
The Aussie Deffense Minister (Downer) said all Australian nationals are acounted for.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200409/s1198355.htm
On the same subject: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/14/1094927540778.html#
PM won't comment yet
September 14, 2004 - 7:27AM
Prime Minister John Howard today declined to discuss the Iraq hostage situation.
Before setting out on his morning walk on the campaign trail in Adelaide today, a grim-faced Mr Howard would not answer journalists' questions.
"I'll talk to you later," Mr Howard said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is investigating a report that two Australians have been kidnapped in Iraq and are being threatened with execution unless the nation withdraws its troops.
A statement released by the Horror Brigades of the Islamic Secret Army gave Australia 24 hours to end its involvement in Iraq or the hostages would be executed.
The statement specifically called on Mr Howard to announce the withdrawal personally.
The Australian embassy in Iraq is attempting to contact the 88 non-government workers registered with it.
AAP
Yeah I just read that on the Sydney Morning Heralds website. But they also had this in their article from 8.15am :
"Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said all of the 88 Australian civilians registered with the Australian embassy in Baghdad had been accounted for.
Checks had also been conducted with four companies that employ Australians.
Three companies were satisfied with their checks but one company had expressed concerns and was carrying out a re-check, Mr Downer said."
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/14/1094927541035.html?from=moreStories
So until confirmation on their whereabouts is recieved by the fourth company, the possibility still exists for this to be true.
Is this Al Jazeera?
Why the heck can't President Bush talk to Qatar, and come to an agreement that Al Jazeera will no longer show videos of hostages?
Am I the only one who thinks that the number of kidnappings would significantly decrease if these terrorists didn't have an accomplice like Al Jazeera?
We should raze a town or city for every hostage murdered.
Alexander Downer is the foreign minister,Robert Hill is the defence minister.
Everybody remember that the election in Australia is October 9. Do I see a trend here?
It is now 5:15 pm in Melbourne, Australia. The latest radio reports on the claim/allegation seem to suggest that the report is false. If it is true, it is another example of the desperation of these terrorists.
Australia is a proud nation that accepts many different people from many different backgrounds. We have taken people fleeing from many places in the world, including Afghanistan, Israel, Iraq, Africa etc. etc. We as a country offer safe refuge for many people. The Australian Air Force actually transported the Iraqi Olympic Team to Athens.
The vast majority of Australians wish the best for the Iraqi people and hope that they too will one day enjoy the freedoms we enjoy.
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