A French negotiator told a radio station Friday that two journalists who have been held for more than a month in Iraq could be released within hours. Philippe Brett told Europe-1 radio that he was with the two Frenchmen and that negotiations were being finalized for their release. The two, Christian Chesnot, 37, and George Malbrunot, 41, disappeared Aug. 20 while apparently driving toward Najaf. The Islamic Army in Iraq claims responsibility. French Foreign Ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous said he could not comment on the report.
