'$45m paid to Iraq kidnappers'

AFP ^ | May 22 2006

[jmc1969]

France, Germany and Italy paid about $45 million to obtain the release of hostages kidnapped in Iraq, despite denying it in public, a British newspaper reports.

Britain has not handed out any money to kidnap gangs, the paper said on Monday, basing its report on "documents seen by The Times".

The list of payments has also been seen by Western diplomats, who are angered at the behaviour of the three governments.

France, Italy and Germany have all publicly denied paying any ransom money. "But according to the documents, held by security officials in Baghdad who have played a crucial role in hostage negotiations, sums from $2.5 million to $10 million per person have been paid over the past 21 months," the paper said.

According to the report, France paid out a combined $25 million for the release of Georges Malbrunot in December 2004 and Florence Aubenas in June 2005.

Italy handed over $11 million for the freedom of Simona Pari, Simona Torretta and Giuliana Sgrena in 2004 and 2005, again according to the report, while Germany was said to have given kidnappers $8 million to secure the release of three hostages, including Rene Braeunlich and Thomas Nitzschke, who were freed earlier this month.

The Italian daily Repubblica cited an official report according to which Rome handed over several million dollars in ransom for Iraq hostages.

[Navy Patriot]

I'm not surprised. It's too bad these nations are such slow learners. President Jefferson learned quickly from his dealings with the Barbary Pirates, sooner or later you gotta pay 'em,.......in lead.

[Atlantic Bridge]

I am sure that some money was paid, but those sums seem to be not realistic. Beside of this Al-Jazzera is as accurate as the Prawda. No real sources were named in this article.

[Allegra]

Anyone working there should carry a few cyanide caps .

I don't.

And I'm not gonna.

Firearms. That's what people working here should carry.

[Allegra]

France, Germany and Italy paid about $45 million to obtain the release of hostages kidnapped in Iraq, despite denying it in public, a British newspaper reports.

Which only encourages this sort of thing.

Kidnapping, I'm afraid, is a way of life here. It's not unusual for Iraqis that are known to be associated with the coalition in some way to be kidnapped. The kidnapped peoples' families negotiate with the kidnappers for a sum, pay it and the person is released unharmed.

[LeoWindhorse]

God bless you friend and stay safe!
Come home safe & sound and in one piece.
may your efforts be fruitful and may peace
come to that troubled land , through Victory!
Soon.....