France vows 'discreet' bid to free journalists in Iraq

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2004

PARIS (AFP) — France vowed to work "with discretion and a sense of responsibility" in its bid to free two French reporters held hostage in Iraq, amid a flurry of angry finger-pointing over a botched rescue plan by a French MP.

"Our only demand until the effective release of Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot will remain their safety," Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said after the government held an emergency meeting to discuss developments on the two seasoned reporters.

"On the ground, we will continue to work until this release with discretion, perserverance, a sense of responsibility but also patience," Barnier said.

Malbrunot of Le Figaro newspaper and Chesnot of Radio France International, were abducted south of Baghdad August 20 along with their...