The UN special envoy to Iraq Lakhdar Brahimi said Tuesday he has high hopes for the imminent release ofthe three Italian hostages being held by Iraqi insurgents.

After talks in Rome with the head of the Italian Senate, Marcello Pera, Brahimi told reporters: "There is every reason to hope that the Italian hostages will be freed soon."

Four Italians were kidnapped last week by an Iraqi radical group known as the "Falanges of Mohammed."

One of the hostages, Fabrizio Quattrocchi, 36, was executed by the group after the Italian government refused to withdraw its troops from Iraq.

Brahimi also said the chances for a new UN resolution on Iraq in the near future were "extremely good".

Pera said the project which Brahimi had outlined during their meeting was "promising and positive," especially the formation of a new Iraqi government.

"The representatives of this new government will be chosen from the different regions as well as from the various religions and political groups," said Pera.

"The choice will be left to the United Nations and this will be followed by a second phase with a representational assembly established to steer the country to elections," he said.

"One of the most delicate issues is security during the transition period. An important role will be played not only by the United States but also by the international community, including Europe," he said.

Source: Xinhua