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 SYDNEY, Australia (AP) - Australia formed a team of diplomats, defense officials and police Monday to work for the release of an Australian-born engineer seized by Iraqi insurgents. But the government had a blunt message for the kidnappers: It will not remove its troops from Iraq or pay ransom.
In a tape obtained by Associated Press Television News on Sunday, a man identified himself as Douglas Wood, 63, an Australian who lives in California and has been working in Iraq, and appealed for the withdrawal of U.S.-led troops. Two people wearing masks pointed automatic weapons at him.
"Please help me. I don't want to die," Wood said, his voice cracking with emotion in the video, aired repeatedly Monday on Australian television.
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