Hopes for the imminent release of three Italian security workers kidnapped in Iraq dimmed on Thursday as Italy’s government tried to stamp out rumors it had paid a five million euro ransom to have them freed. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Wednesday a ransom “hasn’t even been talked about” but speculation about the hostage situation has grown after he admitted “there has been a delay” in their release. “Hostages: negotiating between hope, disappointment and rage,” was the headline of Il Messaggero daily on Thursday. La Stampa said: “Ransom for hostages; Berlusconi denies it.” Kidnappers have killed one of four private security workers abducted last week and have said they will kill the other three unless Italy withdraws a contingent of 2,700 troops forming part of the U.S.-led force occupying Iraq. Full Story
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