Jane at Armies of Liberation has tipped me off to an article at Xinhuanet. The article refers to a story in Al Ray Al-Aam, Kuwait's top newspaper, claiming the Italian aide workers, Simona Pari and Simona Torretta, are in good health and being treated well. The women were taken hostage from their aide station along with an Iraqi Woman and Man on September 7th.

The terrorist now claim that they will hold the women hostage until Italy pulls all troops out of Iraq.

..."send a clear message to the Italian people and the Silvio Berlusconi government: that the Iraqi people denounces the sending of Italian troops to Iraq and calls for the courageous decision to withdraw them, like the Spanish government which pulled its troops out in order to retain its friendly ties with the Iraqi people."

Yeah, those courageous Spanish that bowed to terrorists demands.

I've been covering this story pretty tightly and am happy if this information is true.

Update:

Other Blogging:
Blogs Of War My Pet Jawa

---

Update:

Related stories on Diggers Realm:
September 08, 2004
Two Italian Women And An Iraqi Woman And Man Taken Hostage In Iraq

September 10, 2004
Italian Aid Worker Hostage Update, Threats Made Against Denmark

September 13, 2004
Latest On Italian Women Being Held Hostage In Iraq

September 19, 2004
Italian Women Being Held Hostage In Iraq Sold To Zarqawi?

September 23, 2004
Please Be Wrong. Rumor Of Italian Women Hostages Beheaded

September 26, 2004
Italian Women Being Held Hostage In Iraq "In Good Health"?

September 28, 2004
Simona Pari and Simona Torretta, Italian Hostages, Released!