Lebanese drivers abducted in Iraq

Kassem Murqbawi, one of the missing men, has 12 children

Four Lebanese lorry drivers have been kidnapped in Iraq, the Lebanese foreign ministry has said.

Lebanese officials say they are attempting to find out details about the circumstances of the kidnapping.

Relatives of the missing men have appealed for their release, saying they had nothing to do with the US-led multinational force.

About 20 foreign nationals are being held captive by militants in Iraq, among them a Lebanese businessman.

An Indian official said on Saturday that seven kidnapped truck drivers who were kidnapped last month could be released on Sunday.

Junior foreign minister E Ahamed said "all indications" suggested the three Indians, three Kenyans and an Egyptian - who were abducted on 21 July - would be freed.

But he urged caution, urging friends and relatives to "wait with patience and with hope" for clear confirmation of their release.

He was speaking after talks between the men's employer and the kidnappers, which were carried out by an Iraqi negotiator.

'Depend on God'

Reports say the four Lebanese drivers, who went missing on Friday, were driving separate lorries in a convoy on a road just outside Baghdad.

They were named as Kassem Murqbawi, Taha al-Jundi and his brother Nasser, and Khaldoun Othman.

The Jundi brothers' father Mohammed said they had been delivering electricity generators to the Iraqi people.

"They went to Iraq to work despite the dangers on the roads to make a living and support their children and us," he said. "All we can do is depend on God and ask him to bring them home."

There has been an increase in kidnapping in recent weeks as militants try to exert pressure on foreign governments to pull their troops out, and on overseas companies to stop doing business in Iraq.

At least six hostages have been executed. Most recently, pictures appearing to show the killing of a Turkish lorry driver emerged.

Earlier this week, gunmen abducted Lebanese businessman Antoine Antoun in a Baghdad street.