ROME, Aug 21: An Italian journalist missing in Iraq was set on the idea of getting to Najaf and obtaining a personal interview with Shia leader Moqtada Sadr, a colleague was quoted as saying on Saturday.

Enzo Baldoni, 56, was still missing after disappearing last Thursday on the road to Najaf, Italy's foreign ministry said.

Baldoni left Baghdad for Najaf early Thursday with an Italian Red Cross convoy and a television team. But the expedition was abandoned because of the dangers incurred.

Baldoni continued alone, obsessed with the idea of getting to Najaf, the scene of heavy fighting, to meet and interview Sadr, another journalist, Pino Scaccia of RAI Uno television, was quoted as saying in the Italian press.

Italian press reports Saturday said the Red Cross convoy had turned back in the Babylon area after one of its ambulances hit a mine and the driver was injured.

The Italian crew later turned back at a US military checkpost. This left Baldoni, described as being known for his taste for danger.-AFP