Germany 'will not be blackmailed' over Iraq kidnapping

Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed that her government will “not be blackmailed” by those who kidnapped a German archaeologist in Iraq.

In her first major speech to parliament, Merkel said nothing was yet known about the motives or background of the kidnapping of Susanne Osthoff.

Osthoff and her Iraqi driver were seized on Friday, and were pictured in a video blindfolded on a floor, with militants, one armed with a rocket propelled grenade, standing beside them.

On the tape, the militants demanded that Germany cease its dealings with the Iraqi government.

Germany was strongly opposed to the US-led invasion of Iraq and has refused to send troops since, but has been training Iraqi police and military outside the country. Merkel said the kidnapping would not affect Germany’s policy.

“One thing is clear,” Merkel said. “This government, this parliament, will not let ourselves be blackmailed.”

A special crisis team has been set up to try for Osthoff’s release.

“The government is doing everything in its power to bring the German citizen and her driver as soon as possible to safety,” Merkel said.