On the question of hostages in Iraq

Concerning the file of hostages kidnapping in Iraq at the hands of armed Iraqi groups, a group calling itself the Islamic army in Iraq, said two Sudanese drivers were kidnapped who are working for a Turkish company contracting with the American forces and being brought to what they called its legal court.

On the other hand, the Philippines stressed continued and intensified efforts to release Robert Trongway, its hostage kidnapped in Iraq last week.

The Philippines foreign ministry said in a statement that Manila will prevent its citizens from working in Iraq and will stamp the Philippines passport holders both in Arabic and English languages banning those holders from entering Iraq.