Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on hostage-taking in Iraq

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the fate of all civilians held hostage in Iraq and reiterates his call for their immediate and unconditional release. The abductions of two French journalists and two Italian humanitarian aid workers and their Iraqi colleagues are but the latest incidents in a tragic pattern of violations committed against innocent civilians in Iraq.

The Secretary-General appeals for respect, at all times, for the fundamental principals of human rights and dignity.