Jackson bids for U.S. captives in Iraq

http://www.suntimes.com/output/iraq/cst-nws-jackson05.html

Jackson bids for U.S. captives in Iraq

May 5, 2004

BY SHAMUS TOOMEY Staff Reporter

The Rev. Jesse Jackson is in Greece this week to meet with religious leaders with Iraqi ties in hopes of freeing Americans being held captive in Iraq.

Jackson, who has had past success in getting U.S. captives freed, is meeting with clerics who frequently travel from Greece to Baghdad and Fallujah.

"I am appealing to them to help us in seeking the release of the remaining hostages," Jackson said by phone from Greece Tuesday. "Religious leaders have more continuity and more stability than the political leaders."

Jackson refused to identify his contacts. He said he was engaged in "moral appeals," not negotiations.

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