New appeal over kidnapped Britons

The kidnappers released video claiming to show some of the captives

Five British men held hostage in Iraq for almost two years should be released immediately and unconditionally, the UK foreign secretary has said.

The civilian contractors were kidnapped by armed militants at the Ministry of Finance in Baghdad.

David Miliband's appeal for their safe return came ahead of Friday's anniversary of the men's abduction.

They are IT consultant Peter Moore, from Lincoln, and four security guards whose names have not been released.

Mr Moore had been working for American management consultancy Bearingpoint, while the others were employed to guard him.

Mr Miliband said he was "totally committed" to working for the release of the men and backed their families' humanitarian appeals.

We call on those holding all hostages to release them immediately and unconditionally and return them safely to their families where they belong Foreign Secretary David Miliband

He said: "I don't think that any of us can imagine their ordeal nor the anguish that their families and friends have had to suffer during this dreadful time.

"We have seen the humanitarian appeals that the families of the men have made. I'd like to support this appeal.

"Our thoughts are with them all as they continue to endure the pain of being separated from their loved ones."

Videos of the captives have been released by a group called the Islamic Shiite Resistance in Iraq.

One, which was broadcast on Dubai-based TV station Al-Arabiya, warned a hostage would be killed unless British troops withdrew from Iraq.

Last year the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, directly appealed to the kidnappers in a video.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner said a deal with the captors had been "tantalisingly close" in March when, as a sign of goodwill, they released their latest footage of Mr Moore.

Progress 'delayed'

The hostage had appeared to be in much better health than previously.

But our correspondent added: "Progress has been delayed by a recent spike in violence. Most people believe this could still be a long drawn-out affair."

In his statement, Mr Miliband insisted the government was "totally committed" to working for the safe release of the men.

"There is a dedicated team from across government, including people on the ground in Baghdad, working tirelessly with the Iraqi authorities and Coalition partners to help bring this about.

"We are grateful to Prime Minister Maliki and all our allies for their support and continue working with them and with anyone who may be able to help."

He added that Iraq today is different to two years ago and there are "signs of progress and reconciliation".

"We call on those holding all hostages to release them immediately and unconditionally and return them safely to their families where they belong," he said.