Hostages still alive, says France

France’s foreign minister said there were signs that two journalists abducted in Iraq are still alive and officials hoped their release was still possible.

“We have serious indications that they are being correctly treated and that they are alive,” Michel Barnier said. He declined to give details, out of concern for the reporters’ safety.

Government ministers last week raised hopes that the release of the two reporters, Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, might be imminent. Officials have since become more circumspect, saying efforts to free the men continue, but that the best strategy is not to talk too much about it.

“We think a positive outcome to this kidnapping is possible,” Barnier said, calling the government’s approach one of “caution and discretion”.

The reporters disappeared on a trip to the southern Iraqi city of Najaf. Militants claiming to hold the men demanded that France revoke a law banning Islamic head scarves from state schools. The law went into effect as planned last week.