Germany wants to make contact with Iraq kidnappers

"BERLIN, Dec 1 (Reuters) - The German government wants to get in touch with the gunmen in Iraq who kidnapped a 43-year-old German archaeologist and have threatened to execute her, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Thursday.

"We will make every effort first to make contact in order to move things forward. We will avoid endangering the health and life of the hostage," Steinmeier told reporters after a meeting of the crisis committee set up to deal with the kidnapping.

The kidnapping is the first test faced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has vowed to improve ties with the United States, soured by disagreement over the invasion of Iraq.

Steinmeier said the government had not yet established contact with the kidnappers. Nor has it been given any deadlines."
Reuters

Making and keeping "contact" with the enemy should be left to those that are equipped to do that job. The troops, they make the most effective use of "contact" with the enemy. Maybe Germany should consider removing all it's troops from Iraq. Of maybe they should send a few "negotiator" to make some useful "contact".