Annan urges release of Bulgarian and Filipino hostages in Iraq

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for the release of two Bulgarian men and one Filipino national reported to be held hostage by militants in Iraq.

A statement released by a UN spokesman said Mr. Annan was "deeply concerned about the threats to the lives" of the three hostages.

The statement added that the Secretary-General urged the release of "all other innocent civilians who may have been abducted for political ends in the conflict."

Asked about the kidnappings today, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he was not aware of any contact with Iraq's national authorities.