German Hostage Captors Issue 'Final Ultimatum'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a 27 January press conference to discuss the kidnapping of two Germans in Iraq (epa) 13 February 2006 -- A militant group holding two German hostages in Iraq issued what they called a final ultimatum before killing the captives unless the German government meets their demands.

Dubai-based Al Arabiya television has aired part of a video that showed the two Germans sitting on the ground as masked gunmen stood behind them.

The two engineers were abducted on 24 January outside their workplace in the industrial town of Baiji.

The hostage-takers are demanding Germany end its cooperation with the Iraqi government and close its mission in Baghdad.

At least seven Western hostages and dozens of others are being held in Iraq.

(compiled from agency reports)