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Developments in the case of the Romanian Journalists Kidnapped in Iraq

Manuela Paraipan - 4/25/2005

The French negotiator, Nicolas Henin declared for the Romanian mass media that all that can be done at this point in time is to use all the possible contacts in Iraq to save the lives of the journalists. "Obviously, there is also the simple way: withdraw the troops in four days. But, from a political point of view it is hard to believe that will happen, because the Romanian government cannot just ignore its commitments."


According to Henin, the hostage takers have succeeded so far to create a strong pressure on the country through mass media and they have succeeded to change President Basescu's agenda. What is surprising for the international negotiation specialists who have been previously involved in similar cases from Iraq, is the name of the group Mutadh Ibn Jebel Brigade. Until now, no one has heard of this insurgent Iraqi group.

The Romanian President, Traian Basescu has personally talked few hours ago with the journalists who were gathered in front of the Cotroceni Presidential Palace. President Basescu visible moved by the situation said: " We will do everything that is humanly possible to bring them all, safe at home. I think that we are going to get over it. The situation is not easy, and it has not been easy from start." A private television station, Antena 1 announced that Professor Cosmin Costache from the Deaf and Mute Centre deciphered a part of the mesage uttered by Marie-Jeanne: " I am begging Romanian authorities to do all they can to set us free! Please do your best and retreat troops, get out in the streets. Otherwise, they will kill us! They'll kill us! They'll kill us!"