Romanian hostages in Iraq appear in video - Al Jazeera

DUBAI - Arabic satellite television Al Jazeera have aired a videotape showing three Romanian journalists abducted by an unknown group in Iraq.

The journalists, who were kidnapped on Monday, and a fourth unidentified person appeared on the undated tape sitting on the floor in front of what seemed to be blankets hung on the wall.

Two armed men whose faces were covered by traditional Arab headscarves pointed guns at the hostages.

Al Jazeera said an unknown group was holding them but made no mention of any demands.

The Romanian government has said it was doing everything it could to bring home Prima TV reporter Marie Jeanne Ion, 32, her cameraman Sorin Miscoci, 30, and Romania Libera daily journalist Ovidiu Ohanesian, 37.

The hostages, who were wearing jeans, appeared to be in good health. The woman journalist's hair was covered with a scarf.

The channel said they had identified themselves on the tape.

The three were seized during a visit by Romanian President Traian Basescu to Afghanistan and Iraq -- where US ally Romania has sent 800 troops to join the US-led force.

More than 150 foreigners have been seized in Iraq over the past year. Most have been freed after negotiations or payment of ransom, but about a third have been killed.

- REUTERS