Family of hostage to make appeal on Iraqi radio

The family of Iraqi hostage Harmeet Sooden are expected to make a radio appeal for his release.

Mr Sooden, a 32-year-old Canadian citizen who studies at Auckland University, was kidnapped five weeks ago along with Canadian James Loney, American Tom Fox and Norman Kember of Britain.

The quartet were part of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) promoting peace and an end to the United States presence in Iraq.

The Gulf Times newspaper yesterday reported the families of the four hostages were expected to make an appeal to be broadcast on Iraqi radio for the release of the hostages, following a weekend appeal published in Iraqi newspapers.

The appeal followed an ultimatum by the kidnappers of a Jordanian, demanding the release of a woman would-be suicide bomber in Amman, the Gulf Times said.

The statement in the Iraqi press on Saturday and Sunday pleaded for information that could help the four hostages, and for their release.

"Our dear ones have been kidnapped. They are all working as activists for the sake of peace and to aid the Iraqi people," the statement said.

"A number of religious figures in the Arab and Islamic world have talked about the noble work which they are doing for the sake of Iraq and called for their immediate release. We also appeal for their safe return to us.

"If you have any information that could help us, please call the phone number and it is not necessary to reveal your identity."

Also over the weekend one of Australia's most prominent Muslim leaders and a former "human shield" in Iraq appeared on Al-Jazeera television in an attempt to persuade insurgents to release the kidnapped aid workers.

Donna Mulhearn, an aid worker who braved US bombs during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, recorded a video with Islamic Friendship Association of Australia head Keysar Trad, pleading for the workers to be freed.

- NZPA