Next 24 hours crucial in securing release of journalist - Minister

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said this afternoon that the next 24 hours would be crucial in securing the release of journalist Rory Carroll.

The Dubliner, who writes for The Guardian, was issued with an Irish-language passport to emphasise his nationality in certain parts of the world.

The 33-year-old was kidnapped by a group of men in the Sadr City area of Baghdad yesterday.

Minister Ahern said his department would leave no stone unturned in efforts to secure his release.