Family of German Iraq hostage make TV appeal

2 December 2005

MAINZ, GERMANY – The mother and sister of a German aid worker who has been abducted in Iraq issued a televised appeal Thursday to the kidnappers to free Susanne Osthoff, 43.

The tape was played on Germany’s ZDF public television, which said that the Arabic channel al-Jazeera would be airing it to Iraq.

Osthoff, a trained archaeologist who moved to Iraq and took up private aid work, disappeared last Friday or Saturday along with her driver. Apart from a video claim of responsibility, there has been no word since.

“Be merciful and gracious to my daughter and release her and her escort as soon as possible,” said Ingrid Hala, Osthoff’s mother.

Sister Anja Osthoff, a music composer, stressed to the abductors that her sister had served the Iraqi people and Iraqi culture for many years.

“Susanne has been a devoted Muslim for many years and is a true and loving mother to a young daughter,” the sister said. “My sister has lived in your country for a long time and worked hard for it.

“Susanne has brought medicines to sick people. She loves Iraq’s grand culture. She is fighting to ensure that the treasures of Iraq remain in the hands of the Iraqi people.”

Nearly in tears, the sister pleaded, “Spare the life of my innocent sister and her escort.”

DPA

Subject: German news