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Australian Hostage May Be Free Today
Australia's Islamic spiritual leader says Douglas Wood could be released by his Iraqi kidnappers within the next 24 hours.

Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali said he was told the news in a phone call from a man who said he represented the kidnappers of the Australian contractor.

Sheikh Alhilali told an SBS journalist that the kidnappers were willing to release Mr Wood unconditionally, but there was a problem with releasing two other Iraqi hostages.

"They said that they were willing to release Douglas Wood, however, they are not willing to release the other two Iraqis," SBS Arabic radio journalist Majida Abboud-Saab told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

In an interview with Ms Abboud-Saab, Sheik Alhilali denied reports the kidnappers were demanding money for Mr Wood's release.

"They are not placing any conditions on his release," Ms Abboud-Saab said.

"He (Sheik Alhilali) is very convinced and he is very optimistic and he is very happy about the fact that they have agreed to release Douglas.

"But he is very upset about the fact that the other two Iraqis are not going to be released."

Sheik Alhilali had sent messages through Iraqi media that he would not leave the country without Douglas Wood, she said.

The two Iraqi hostages both worked with Mr Wood, she said.
Posted by: Spavirt Pheng6042 2005-05-17
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=119398