Iraq hostages' Kin wait as deadline passes
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-11 16:47

There also has been no further word on the fate of Ronald Allen Schulz, after an Internet statement in the name of the Islamic Army in Iraq on Thursday claimed his abductors had killed him. Family and friends have said they believe Schulz, 40, a native of Jamestown, N.D., is still alive.

A French aid worker and a German citizen also are being held by kidnappers.

Ed Loney said he wanted the kidnappers to know their goals were similar to those of their captives.

"I want them to realize that they really do have people that are actually on their side," Ed Loney said. "The four CPT workers have been working hard for the release of detainees in Iraq and that they want to continue that work."

On Friday, Mark Brewer, the New Zealand brother-in-law of Sooden, said the family was hopeful the hostages would be released unharmed.

"There's been no indication these guys are being harmed or damaged in any way, and there's been a lot of support for them from many channels," he said on New Zealand's National Radio. "I think if ever there were hostages to be released, these are the guys."