프랑스와 독일, 이탈리아가 이라크에서 납치된 인질 석방을 위해 4천 5백만 달러를 지불했다고 영국의 ‘The Times’ 신문이 보도했습니다.
이 같은 정보는 지난 2년 동안 인질 석방 협상에서 중추적인 역할을 담당해 왔던 바그다드의 안보 관계자들이 소지한 문건에서 나온 것이라고 이 신문은 전했습니다.
이들 3나라는 모두 자국의 인질들을 석방시키기 위해 납치범들에게 어떠한 몸값도 지불하지 않았다고 공개적으로 부인해 왔습니다.
프랑스는 타임스 신문의 보도가 나온 이후 22일 그 같은 내용을 거듭 일축했습니다.
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A news report in London today (Monday) says France, Germany and Italy have paid 45 million dollars for the release of hostages kidnapped in Iraq.
The British newspaper "The Times" says its information comes from documents held by security officials in Baghdad who have played a crucial role in hostage negotiations during the past two years.
France is said to have paid 25 million dollars for the release of three hostages ( -- Georges Malbrunot in December 2004, and Florence Aubenas and Christian Chesnot in June 2005).
"The Times" says Italy handed over 11 million dollars to win freedom for three hostages ( -- Simona Pari, Simona Toretta and Giuliana Sgrena -- since 2004). Germany is reported to have paid eight million dollars to secure the release of three hostages (including Rene Braeunlich and Thomas Nitzschke, who were freed earlier this month).
All three countries have publicly denied paying any ransom money to kidnappers to gain their citizens' release. France repeated its denial Monday following the Times report.