SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS FOR RELEASE OF JAPANESE NATIONALS HELD HOSTAGE IN IRAQ

Secretary-General Calls for Release of Japanese Nationals Held Hostage in Iraq

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the threats to the lives of three Japanese nationals who are reportedly held hostage by Iraqi militants.

The Secretary-General calls for the release of these three persons and all other innocent civilians who may have been abducted for political ends in the conflict.

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