Two German hostages held in Iraq have appeared in a video on the Internet pleading for their lives while their kidnappers vow to punish them unless their demands are met. The kidnappers, a group called Ansar al-Tawheed wal Sunna (Followers of Unity and Prophetic Tradition), are demanding the release of all Iraqis held in US-run prisons. The group has also told Germany to stop giving help to the US and Iraqi authorities.German Chancellor Angela Merkel says her Government is scrutinising the video of engineers Thomas Nitzschke, 28, and Rene Braeunlich, 32, which was posted on an Islamic Internet site on Sunday. "We will do everything in our power to save the hostages and to bring them back to Germany," she said.
In the 24-second video, dated March 28, Mr Nitzschke pleads with the German Government to save him and Mr Braeunlich. "We have been held captive here for more than 60 days. We are close to breaking point. Please help us. Please help us," he said.
The video shows the two hostages looking haggard and wearing beards. In an accompanying statement the kidnappers threatened: "Know that if our two demands - the release of all Iraqi men and women held in occupation prisons and a halt to all aid to Americans and their agents, including Shiites - are not met, punishment will be meted out quickly. Those of you who help the occupiers, the infidels and the Shiites, know that you and your citizens will not escape the jihadists (holy warriors)."