Iraq was asked to release an "ordinary man"

The British Muslim Council said Friday that it was sending representatives to Iraq to try to secure the release of British hostage Ken Bigley held by militants in the country.

According to the council, a team of two &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/cis/2003/03/04/43960.html' target=_blank>delegates would fly out to Iraq as soon as possible and try to start a dialogue with the captors, who have beheaded two American hostages and threatened to kill Bigley unless Britain and the United States release all women held in &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/accidents/21/93/375/d?count=5' target=_blank>Iraqi jails.

"We appeal to the group that is holding Ken Bigley to release him without delay and without harm. He is an elderly man and he is due to become a grandfather soon. Be merciful. Our religion Islam does not allow us to harm the innocent," the council said in a statement, informs Xinhua News.