The family of British hostage Norman Kember have placed a number of newspaper adverts in Iraq, appealing for the release of the peace campaigner.
The 74-year-old, from Pinner, north-west London, was seized in Baghdad on November 26th, with Canadians James Loney (41) and Harmeet Singh Sooden (32), and 54-year-old American Tom Fox.
The families of the four men issued a joint appeal for their safe return which will be published in Arabic in Iraqi newspapers over the next few days.
The Swords of Righteousness Brigade, which has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, had threatened to kill the group by December 10th unless Iraqi prisoners were released. There has been no news of the hostages since the deadline expired.
The appeal reads: "A month has passed since our loved ones - Norman, James, Harmeet and Tom - were kidnapped in Iraq.
"In this time, Iraq has held elections for a constitutionally-elected Government. This is a new start for Iraq and Iraqis to take control of their own destiny. It is a time for new starts.
"Many clerics and religious figures from the Arab and Muslim world have spoken over the past weeks of the good work they were doing in Iraq and that their organisation has done in Palestine, and they have called for their release.
"We appeal to you to help us ensure the safe return of our relatives.
"If you have any information which can help, please call this number, you do not have to reveal your identity, 07901 911 977."
The appeal will also be transmitted on Iraqi radio on December 26th.
A Foreign Office spokesman said he did not know which newspapers the appeal, entitled "Family appeal for hostages", would appear in or what format it would take. He added that there were no new developments in Baghdad.
Voices from across the Muslim world have called for the hostages to be freed. Abu Qatada, Britain's highest-profile terror suspect, has even made an appeal from his maximum security prison cell.
Yesterday, the Muslim Association of Britain also renewed its plea to Mr Kember's captors.
The organisation has already called for his release through a number of Arabic satellite TV stations, including al-Jazeera and numerous Iraqi TV and radio stations.
Anas Altikriti, an envoy of the organisation, who has travelled to Iraq to try to secure the release, said: "It would be a wonderful gesture on behalf of the abductors and great news for the families and loved ones of the group of four if we heard of their release before Christmas Day."
The families of the four men can also be contacted by emailing familyappeal@yahoo.com.
PA