Italy has sent an envoy to the Middle East to seek freedom for two aid workers held hostage in Iraq.
Ms Margherita Boniver, an undersecretary for foreign affairs, will visit five countries during her trip and meet political and humanitarian representatives.
Ms Simona Pari and Ms Simona Torretta, who worked in Iraq for the Italian aid organisation, Bridge to Baghdad, were abducted by armed men on Tuesday in central Baghdad.
Foreign Minister Franco Frattini made clear today that the Italian government - a staunch supporter of the US-led attack on Iraq - would not change policy or withdraw its troops as a consequence of the kidnappings.
The kidnapping of the two women has sent shockwaves through Italy, and government and opposition parties have laid aside their normal animosity to launch a joint appeal for the release of the two women, who are both aged 29.
At least five Italians have been kidnapped in Iraq since April and two of them were killed by their captors after Rome refused to bow to demands to withdraw its 2,700 troops.