Free UK hostages in Iraq - Miliband
The Foreign Secretary has called for the "immediate and unconditional" release of five British hostages held in Iraq for nearly two years.
The men, who were civilian contractors, were seized by dozens of gunmen in Baghdad on May 29 2007.
In a statement released ahead of the abduction's two-year anniversary, David Miliband has spoken of the "anguish" suffered by their families.
He said: "We call on those holding all hostages to release them immediately and unconditionally and return them safely to their families where they belong."
The kidnap victims, who have not been officially named, are IT consultant Peter Moore and four security guards. They were abducted by about 40 gunmen wearing police uniforms at the Iraqi finance ministry.
Videos of the captives have since been released following their capture, the last of which in March showed Mr Moore saying they were being treated well and urging the British government to secure their release.
In a previous video, broadcast by Dubai-based Al-Arabiya television in December 2007, the kidnappers threatened to kill the men unless British troops were pulled out of Iraq within 10 days.
Mr Miliband said: "I don't think that any of us can imagine their ordeal, nor the anguish that their families and friends have had to suffer during this dreadful time. Our thoughts are with them all as they continue to endure the pain of being separated from their loved ones."
He added that he was "totally committed" to securing the men's release.
"There is a dedicated team from across government, including people on the ground in Baghdad, working tirelessly with the Iraqi authorities and Coalition partners to help bring this about."
