The United States on Wednesday vowed not to make concessions to terrorists or hostage-takers in Iraq while voicing solidarity with the Iraqi interim government.

"Terrorists and former regime elements have intensified their campaign of kidnappings and executions aimed at weakening the resolve of the international community from assisting the Iraqi government. We strongly condemn the kidnapping and the murder of innocent civilians," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement.

"We understand that conceding to terrorists will only endanger all members of the multinational force, as well as other countrieswho are contributing to Iraqi reconstruction and humanitarian assistance," Boucher said.

Boucher said the mission of the US-led multinational force in Iraq is to "support the Iraqi people in their efforts to establishdemocratic government, to enhance security, to provide humanitarian assistance and to facilitate economic reconstruction."

"Our resolve to achieve these objective will not be shaken. We remain committed to enabling the Iraqi people to attain their aspirations for a new future," Boucher said.

Boucher also reaffirmed the US solidarity with the Iraqi people,who have been the "main target of fanaticism and terrorist attacks."

There has been a series of kidnappings by Iraqi militants who have been targeting employees of foreign companies supplying goodsto Iraq, notably to the US-led multinational forces. At least 20 foreigners are reported to have been kidnapped or missing in Iraq.

Source: Xinhua