Italians gathered in a peace rally to show support for their kidnapped country-fellows in Iraq. The five-day ultimatum by the Iraqi insurgents expires today. Photo by WN.
Waving rainbow-striped flags for peace, Italians marched to the front steps of the Vatican in solidarity with three Italians held hostages in Iraq. In a footage aired by Arab TV on Monday, their kidnappers demanded that within five days Italians rise up against the government's decision to stay in Iraq. In return the militants pledged to spare the lives of the Italian hostages. Some officials lashed back that it was pure blackmailing.