Missing NZ man detained in Iraq

By AINSLEY THOMSON

The New Zealander missing in Iraq for the past month is being detained by Iraqi authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

Andreas Schafer, of New Plymouth, has contacted his family in the past 48 hours to say he is alive and well but being held in detention.

Ministry spokesman Jonathan Schwass would not say where Mr Schafer was being held and initially would not say who was holding him, other than it was not an insurgent group.

Later he confirmed it was understood to be Iraqi authorities, but it was not clear whether it was the Iraqi police or the Coalition administration.

The Australian newspaper was quoting sources saying a message from Schafer had reached the ministry and it appeared he was not a kidnap victim or hostage.

Mr Schwass said this information appeared to be confused, but may refer to the difference between being detained by authorities and kidnapped by insurgents.

He said inquiries would continue to find out why he was being detained.

Mr Schafer's mother, Ursula, told the Herald the family was relieved to finally have some information, "but it's still very uncertain" and she did not know when they would next hear from him.

His family first became concerned he was being held in Iraq about a month ago after receiving an email suggesting he had been detained by the American-led Coalition Provisional Authority. The family contacted the ministry who found Mr Schafer was not being detained by American authorities.

His whereabouts remained unknown until the new information was received.

She declined to make any further comment because of potential risk to her son.

Meanwhile, two other New Zealanders who were in trouble in Iraq are now out of the country.

Herald Feature: Iraq