Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi will not bow to the demands of hostage-takers and is not willing to allow the release of female prisoner Rihab Taha from jail, the government said in a statement today.
The statement said Taha was among three high-profile prisoners who had been recommended for possible release after a review by US-led Multinational Force Iraq (MNFI).
"The Iraqi government has not yet completed its deliberations on the matter, but the prime minister has indicated that he is not willing to agree to the release of Rihab Rashid Taha at this time," the statement said.
Militants who have killed two US hostages and are threatening to kill a Briton are demanding the release of all Iraqi women in US detention in Iraq.
The US military says it is only holding two women, Taha and Huda Ammash. Both are accused of working on former President Saddam Hussein's weapons programmes.
The government statement said discussions on the possible release of Taha were unrelated to the kidnappers' demands.