UK Amb to Iraq appeals for release of 5 abducted British nationals

(29 May 2008)

AP Television
FILE: Baghdad - 30 May 2007
1. Exterior of building where Britons were kidnapped, woman walking on road in foreground
2. Mid of sign on building reading (Arabic): "Technical centre for computer services"
3. Various of empty checkpoint in front of building
4. Pan across building with motorcycles and cars driving in foreground
5. Iraqi soldiers at checkpoint located near building where Britons were kidnapped
6. Various of Iraqi soldiers at checkpoint, cars passing by

US Department of Defence/DVIDS
Baghdad - 29 May 2008
7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Christopher Prentice, UK Ambassador to Iraq:
"One year ago today, 5 British nationals were abducted from the Finance Ministry in Baghdad. It has been a long and extremely difficult year for these men's families, who only wish to have their loved ones back home, safe from their ordeal. The British Government remains committed to working for the release of all those held and I appeal again to those responsible, to release these men, in order that they may return home. Here in the British Embassy Baghdad, and in our Consulates in Basra and Irbil, we wish to hear from any person who has information about these five men or anyone who may be able to bring about their safe release."

AP Television
FILE: Baghdad - 30 May 2007
8. Various of Iraqi soldiers searching cars at checkpoint
9. US helicopter flying in sky, tilt down to soldiers at checkpoint with cars passing by

STORYLINE:

The British Ambassador to Iraq on Thursday appealed for the "safe release" of five Britons abducted a year ago.

"I appeal again to those responsible, to release these men, in order that they may return home," Christopher Prentice said at the British Embassy in Baghdad.

"It has been a long and extremely difficult year for these men's families, who only wish to have their loved ones back home, safe from their ordeal," he added.

Gunmen abducted British management consultant Peter Moore and four British security guards in Baghdad on May 29, 2007. They are believed to be currently being held by Shiite militants.

Prentice stressed that the British government "remains committed to working for the release of all those held".

"We wish to hear from any person who has information about these five men or anyone who may be able to bring about their safe release," he added.

The kidnappers are reported to be demanding the release of British-held Iraqi prisoners.

The British government has sought to avoid publicity about the hostages as it tries to work for their release.

In December, the kidnappers released a video of the hostages in which one said he felt they had been forgotten.

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