France says two French reporters held hostage with their Syrian driver in Iraq were still alive a few days ago.
Journalists Mr Georges Malbrunot, who reports for Le Figarodaily, and Mr Christian Chesnot who works for Radio France International were kidnapped with their driver on August 20th.
"We are working discreetly, following up leads, reestablishing contacts when they have been established. . . . We know they were alive a few days ago," Foreign Minister Michel Barner told France's LCI television on Sunday.
Mr Barnier said France had had indirect dialogue with the kidnappers at regular intervals between September 18th and 29th. "(Since then) we have still not had direct contact . . . but people who speak to us all tell us . . . there is a likelihood the three hostages will be freed," he said.
He said the hostage-takers all came from "extremely scattered groups", all with different motives.
The kidnapping of the journalists stunned France, which opposed the US-led war in Iraq. Paris mobilised Arab leaders and Muslim figures to call for their release, but this did not bring them freedom and initial hopes gave way to growing caution.