U.S., allies: No deal with kidnappers

U.S., allies: No deal with kidnappers
By Krishnadev Calamur
Published 8/4/2004 3:59 PM


WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The United States issued a policy statement Wednesday reiterating that it will not bow to hostage takers in Iraq.

The statement has been endorsed by 30 other countries that are part of U.S. President George W. Bush's "coalition of the willing." Those countries are expected to release the same or similar statements soon, U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Wednesday. Kazakhstan made a similar statement Tuesday.

Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped and killed several foreign civilians working in the reconstruction of Iraq. Following the kidnapping of a Filipino civilian last month, the Philippines' government pulled out its 51 troops from Iraq early in line with the hostage-takers' demands and against U.S. wishes. The hostage was subsequently freed. South Korea and Bulgaria are among countries still in Iraq despite their citizens being kidnapped and killed.

Wednesday's statement, first proposed by Bulgaria, reiterated long-standing U.S. policy that it would not deal with terrorists to secure the release of civilians.

http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20040804-033753-8650r

to go to Iraq. Just give it time.