Iraq violence complicates hostages issue

PARIS, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier Monday expressed fears that the "vicious circle of violence" in Iraq complicates the issue of two French hostages.

In an interview with the French television channel LCI Barnier said, "We still have hope for releasing the two French hostages and their Syrian driver but continuing violence and panic in Iraq increase the difficulties."

He said, "Useful channels for negotiations with the kidnappers have been re-established."

Journalists Georges Malbruno and Christian Chesnot were kidnapped last Aug, 20 by a Muslim extremist group which demanded that France repeal a controversial law banning the wearing of ostentatious religious symbols, including the Muslim veil.