France skeptical of new conditions for release of hostages
19601
The captors of two French journalists allegedly put forward new demands for their release, but French officials cast doubt on the authenticity of the demands and remained cautiously optimistic about securing their release.
438089
France has scrambled to secure the freedom of two French journalists kidnapped by Iraqi militants who gave Paris until Monday evening to drop its controversial ban on Muslim headscarves in schools.
539179
The optimism that Paris expressed, at the end of last week, concerning releasing the kidnapped French journalists Chesnot and Malbrunot in Iraq, turned into caution at the beginning of this week.
634815
The French government held crisis talks on the fate of two French journalists held hostage in Iraq Wednesday amid growing uncertainty over whether their kidnappers had demanded a ransom and two-day deadline.
38081
France has criticized unofficial negotiators for complicating release efforts for two French hostages held in Iraq, the BBC reported Saturday.
39820
The French government says it is cautiously confident two journalists kidnapped in Iraq will soon be released.
464905
France believes that two journalists held hostage in Iraq are still alive, but authorities have lost direct contact with their kidnappers, the foreign minister said Saturday.
130389
A French Muslim delegation in Iraq trying to win the release of two French journalists held hostage by Islamic militants said Thursday they had received proof the men were alive and well. The kidnappers have demanded that Paris rescind a law banning Muslim headscarves.
706735
French President Jacques Chirac said Friday there was "no reason" to give up hope that two French journalists held hostage in Iraq since August will be released.
284139
Hopes that Islamic militants will soon free two French hostages in Iraq rose on Friday, despite confusion over which group is now holding them.
95947
PARIS, Sept 19  - French Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin said Sunday he could not confirm the authenticity of a statement attributed to the Islamic Army in Iraq saying it was releasing two French hostages, but Prime Minister Jean-Pierre
253644
Signs suggest hope for a possible release of the two French journalists held hostage in Iraq, Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin said Saturday.
367693
Two French journalists held hostage in Iraq could be freed by the end of this week if U.S. forces open a security corridor to secure their release, an aide to a French mediator told Reuters on Wednesday.
134392
France was torn between hope and doubt about its two hostages in Iraq on Wednesday after a purported French negotiator announced their imminent release but officials insisted they knew nothing about his ...
94800
French PM Jean-Pierre Raffarin urges caution on reports that two French journalists held in Iraq may soon be freed.
10690
Hopes for a speedy release of two French  hostages in Iraq gave way to expressions of doubt and concern  Tuesday after a statement setting out new demands for their  release was posted on a Web site.
244917
France scrambled to secure the release of  two French journalists kidnapped by Iraqi militants who gave  Paris until Monday evening to drop its controversial ban on  Muslim headscarves in schools.