Italians demand hostages' release

The peace march in Rome ended at the Vatican

Hundreds of Italians have taken part in a peace march in Rome calling for three hostages held in Iraq to be released.

The rally was organised by relatives after a threat that the men would be killed unless protests were held against Italy's presence in Iraq.

A fourth hostage, Fabrizio Quattrocchi, was killed by his captors this month.

In St Peter's Square, a representative for the Pope read out a message calling for the hostages' release "in the name of the one God who will judge us all".

"The Pope invites everyone to pray to God, who loves every person and does not want the death of anyone, for a happy ending to this painful episode," said the Vatican's foreign minister, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo.

The BBC's Brian Barron in Rome said marchers applauded when the message was read out.

About 3,000 people were estimated to have taken part in the march.

The mainstream political parties had agreed not to attend as they did not want to be seen to be capitulating to the kidnappers' demands.

Italians had been told to demonstrate en masse for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq within five days or the hostages would be killed.

Some politicians said they would attend the march in a personal capacity.

'Opposed to violence'

Paola Feretti, a 52-year-old woman from Tarquinia, near Rome, told the AFP news agency she attended because she was "opposed to violence".

The march started from Castel Sant' Angelo, a landmark near the Vatican, and finished in St Peter's Square.

HOSTAGES IN IRAQ Some 40 foreigners from 12 countries initially reported kidnapped in Iraq Many freed, including three Japanese, three Czechs, and seven Chinese Four Italians kidnapped 12 April - one executed 14 April, three still in captivity A US soldier and US contractor have been shown on Arab TV Jordanian businessman held; Canadian businessman missing

Supporters from the hostages' home towns were bussed to Rome to attend the rally.

"This is a demonstration for peace and it must not become political, because it is an initiative which has grown out of the families' desire to see our boys released," Antonella Agliana, sister of the hostage Maurizio Agliana, told AFP before the event.

Salvatore Stefio, Umberto Cupertino and Maurizio Agliana, who were all working as security guards for a US-based company, were taken hostage on 12 April.

Mr Quattrocchi, 36, who was captured with them, was killed two days later. His murder was filmed and broadcast on some television channels.

The Italian government, the third largest coalition partner in Iraq, has ruled out withdrawing its troops.