France said on Saturday it hoped Islamic militants were about to free two French hostages, but urged caution as fresh violence erupted in Iraq.
"All the indications we have strengthen hope for their imminent release," Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin said, welcoming home a Muslim delegation that flew to Iraq to try to help free journalists Georges Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot.
"You know the prevailing situation in Iraq and, of course, in this context there is a need for great caution," he said.
There was no fresh word from the Islamic Army in Iraq, which seized the two reporters on August 20, stunning France which opposed the US-led war in Iraq and has no troops there.
French officials had hoped the men would be freed on Friday after what many interpreted as positive signs, including appeals for their release from Arab and Muslim leaders.
But the government, which rejected the kidnappers' demands to revoke a law banning Muslim headscarves in state schools, has injected a note of caution into its statements.
French officials are wary of any media headlines that might upset the kidnappers or other radical militants who might put pressure on the hostage-takers.
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