SG/SM/9251
                                                                                                                        IK/428
                                                                                                                        13 April 2004

Secretary-General Calls for Release of Japanese Nationals Held Hostage In Iraq

NEW YORK, 8 April (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the threats to the lives of three Japanese nationals who are reportedly held hostage by Iraqi militants.

The Secretary-General calls for the release of these three persons and all other innocent civilians who may have been abducted for political ends in the conflict.

* *** *