France says four nationals held hostage

PARIS, Mar 14 (Reuters) French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said four French nationals were kidnapped in the Palestinian territories today and demanded their release.

The four are two journalists, working for Elle magazine and photo agency Sipa, and two French women working for Medecins du Monde whose abduction had been announced by the foreign ministry earlier in the day.

''France is deeply concerned by the latest developments in Jericho and in the Palestinian territories, and particularly by the kidnapping of four French nationals,'' he said in a statement.

''I demand their immediate release.'' He said he had spoken to Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Lizvni and Palestian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa.

''I urged self control and a spirit of responsibility. We must do everything to make sure the Palestinian territories do not sink into violence,'' he said.

Reuters SK VP0200