BAGHDAD, 15 July 2004 — A Philippine hostage in Iraq was “alive and safe”, a senior diplomat said, amid negotiations yesterday to secure his release following Manila’s decision to pull out its troops from Iraq.

“The hostage was alive and safe,” said the Philippine diplomat on condition of anonymity, without providing details.

Earlier, leading Philippine television news station ABS-CBN reported that Angelo dela Cruz was in “safe hands” in Iraq citing unnamed Philippine negotiators on the ground without giving other details.

The hostage’s wife Arsenia and brother Jesus were reported to be in Amman awaiting results of the negotiations.

Vice President Noli de Castro said the government was “continuing to make steps to arrive at a solution” to the hostage crisis.

“The government has spoken through the foreign office and negotiations are ongoing with the Iraqi (militants) with the help of other friends from the Middle East who are mediating for the release of Angelo,” de Castro said in a televised statement.

Manila’s decision to withdraw troops was criticized by Washington and its allies, who said the US-led coalition would suffer.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer told Philippine Ambassador Cristina Ortega in Canberra he was “extremely disappointed” with Manila’s decision to pull its 51 soldiers and police from Iraq, Downer spokesman Chris Kenny said.

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, speaking shortly before the withdrawal announcement, said any pullout “sends the wrong message” to hostage takers “at a time when Iraq is fighting for stability and peace.”

In Japan, a key US ally and major trading partner of the Philippines, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said the 500 Japanese troops would remain in southern Iraq to rebuild schools, provide medical supplies and supply clean water.

In Kuwait, political scientist Shamlan Al-Issa told The Associated Press the pullout was a “hasty decision made under pressure from the public in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, Bulgarian gtovernment officials expressed outrage yesterday over the execution of a Bulgarian truck driver in Iraq and urged militants to release a second Bulgarian hostage. Despite the slaying, they said Bulgaria remained committed to helping rebuild the turmoil-wracked country.

Also yesterday, a Saudi company said it would pull out of Iraq to meet the demands of kidnappers holding an Egyptian truck driver hostage.