Germany appealed for immediate release of two German engineers held hostage in Iraq

Germany appealed Friday for the immediate release of two German engineers held hostage in Iraq. "The government condemns this cruel kidnapping in the strongest possible terms," Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a brief statement to reporters in Berlin after a video of the two men was aired. "We appeal urgently to the perpetrators to release our two compatriots without delay."

Merkel did not say what exactly Germany was doing to try and secure the hostages' release, and took no questions after making a brief statement at the chancellery.

"The life and physical safety of our two compatriots have the highest priority," Merkel said. "You can count firmly on us not letting up in our efforts to do everything to bring our countrymen back home safe, unharmed and healthy,” reports the AP. I.L.