Allies back U.S. stand on Iraq kidnappers

[DC09]

LONDON (Reuters) - Key members of the multinational force in Iraq Thursday endorsed the United States' refusal to bow to the demands of kidnappers after the Philippines pulled its troops out of Iraq to secure the release of a hostage.

Britain, Italy, Poland and Bulgaria all voiced their support for Wednesday's U.S. statement vowing a firm stance against the recent wave of kidnappings.

"As members of the Multinational Force in Iraq operating under U.N. Security Council resolution 1546, we are united in our resolve to make no concessions to terrorists nor succumb to terrorist threats," the British Foreign Office said.

"We are committed to making sure that the perpetrators of terrorist acts against our citizens and soldiers are brought to justice," it added in a statement.

It said conceding to the demands of kidnappers would not only put all troops in Iraq in danger, but would risk the lives of people involved in humanitarian missions and rebuilding.

NATO newcomer Bulgaria -- two of whose nationals have been kidnapped -- backed the U.S. statement and said it had initiated the call for a unified approach against kidnappers. One of the Bulgarian kidnap victims is known to have been beheaded and the other is believed to have suffered a similar fate.

The United States has faced an erosion in its coalition this year and insurgents have tested the will of governments to keep troops in Iraq by kidnapping and beheading their citizens.

The Philippines capitulated to the demands of kidnappers last month and pulled its 50 troops out of Iraq.

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[Fluffybunny]

That is good thing. We are in so deep at this point that if the terrorists were to see that kidnapping was working well, it would be open season on everybody in that part of the world.

The Philipines really hurt the situation, and opened the floodgates for other kidnappers. All for 50 humanitarian aid workers who were sent there to help the Iraqis in the first place. What a frustrating situation.