Italy may pay ransom to free Iraq hostages

Italy is prepared to pay a ransom to free three security guards who were kidnapped in Iraq more than a week ago.

Barbara Contini, the Italian in charge of the southern city of Nasiriyah, suggested today that a ransom could be paid since kidnappings were common in Iraq.

“Every one pays. It’s been done for centuries and centuries,” Contini told the Milan newspaper Corriere della Sera.

“I am convinced that we’re dealing with local bands. People organised in tribal ways, who have the culture of kidnapping in their blood but with whom you can negotiate. There are no insurmountable barriers,” she said.

Four Italians were taken hostage and one executed with a pistol shot to the back of the head. A video of the shooting was sent to an Arab TV station.

About a dozen foreigners are either missing or confirmed kidnapped in Iraq.

Contini echoed sentiments by Premier Silvio Berlusconi, who expressed “cautious optimism” on Monday that the men would be freed.

“I obviously can’t give details. We’re in a very delicate phase. But I’m optimistic, very optimistic,” she said.