United Press International
10-28-2004
Japan appeals for hostage's release
TOKYO, Oct 28, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Japanese officials tried Thursday to contact the Iraqi militants holding a Japanese hostage, as the 48-hour deadline for his threatened execution approached.
Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura Wednesday telephoned Iraqi leaders for help in rescuing 24-year-old Shosei Koda, who was kidnapped Tuesday. The minister also appeared on international television, including Qatar's al-Jazeera channel, appealing for Koda's release.
However, the Japanese government repeated that its troops, stationed in southern Iraq, would not be withdrawn. The kidnappers had ...