French hostages still alive, says French defense minister

France's Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said Thursday that some information showed that the two French journalists held in hostage in Iraq for nearly a month were still alive and in good health.

"We have had information which allows us to think that, without having concrete proof, that our hostages are alive, in good health and safe. You will understand if I cannot say any more," she said in an interview to be published on Friday in French daily Le Parisien.

Christian Chesnot of Radio France International and Georges Malbrunot of Paris daily Le Figaro, were reportedly kidnapped on their way from Baghdad to Najaf, a Shiite holy city of Iraq, on Aug. 20 by a group calling itself the Islamic Army of Iraq.

The kidnappers demanded on Aug. 28 that the French government revoke a law banning Islamic headscarves in public schools.

Despite the threat, France remained firm on the headscarves ban and the school year started on Sept. 2 with the law taking effect as planned.

Source: Xinhua