Armed group claims kidnapping Turkish contractor in Iraq: Al-Jazeera

DUBAI - An armed group in Iraq has kidnapped a Turkish contractor demanding that Ankara halt its support for US forces in the country within three days, Al-Jazeera satellite channel said Wednesday.
The Doha-based teleivision broadcast a videotape showing the hostage, identifed as Ali Abdullah Ali, sitting alone and speaking, although his voice could not be heard.
The unnamed group did not mention any specific threat against the hostage, whom it claimed worked for US troops.
"The group gave the Turkish government three days to stop supporting the occupation forces in Iraq and to clarify its position on the occupation," Al-Jazeera said.
Around 90 Turks have been killed in recent months, most of them truck drivers caught in ambushes, and a number taken hostage.

06/22/2005 10:16 GMT