The three Japanese civilians taken hostage in Iraq have faced a whirlwind of criticism since returning home, it emerged today.

The Japanese hostages released in Iraq last week will be charged for plane tickets and other expenses related to their safe return, the Foreign Ministry said today.

Japan has opened an emergency office at its diplomatic mission in Jordan to co-ordinate rescue efforts for its three citizens taken hostage in neighbouring Iraq, a Japanese Embassy official said today.

THE families of three Japanese nationals kidnapped in Iraq and threatened with execution, tearfully begged the government to pull its troops out of the country as Tokyo reiterated there would be no withdrawal.

Three Japanese have been taken hostage by Iraqi rebels who have threatened to kill them if Tokyo does not withdraw its troops from the country.