Embassy confirms 8 Chinese kidnapped in Iraq

[ECH1969]

Eight Chinese nationals were kidnapped by militants in Iraq, the Chinese Embassy in Baghdad confirmed on Tuesday.

A video tape aired by the pan-Arab al-Jazeera TV channel on Tuesday showed the eight hostages holding Chinese passports standing in a row, flanked by masked militants.

In the videotape, the militants threatened to kill them in 48 hours if China failed to explain why they were apparently building facilities for the Americans.

"The position of the Chinese government toward our cause was clear -- not taking part in invasion forces and their aggression against our country," said a voice on the tape, which showed masked gunmen keeping the men against a wall.

"We call on the Chinese government to clarify its position on them and other Chinese. We will kill them 48 hours after their pictures are televised unless that is done."

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/18/content_410140.htm