DAMASCUS, Oct 1: A Frenchman presenting himself as an unofficial negotiator said on Friday that he was with two French reporters being held hostage in Iraq, raising hopes that the men may soon be freed.

Philippe Brett said in a radio interview given by mobile telephone that he was currently in Iraq but would not say where exactly. When asked if he was was with Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro newspaper and Christian Chesnot of Radio France International, both of whom were kidnapped Aug 20 along with their Syrian driver south of Baghdad, Brett told the Europe 1 station: "The response is yes."

He added: "I think that within the next 10 hours or so, I'll be able to (talk to you) with a great deal of pleasure." French MP Didier Julia later said in Damascus that Brett was en route for the Syrian capital. -AFP