Congressman in Iraq to Plead for Americans’ Release

BAGHDAD — A U.S. congressman arrived in Baghdad on Saturday to plead with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein for the release of two Americans jailed in Iraq for illegally entering the country, Baghdad diplomats said.

Rep. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) held talks Saturday with Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Tarik Aziz, and the diplomats said he was expected to meet today with Hussein.

White House officials said the two men could be released as early as today.

William Barloon, 30, of New Hampton, Iowa, and David Daliberti, 41, of Jacksonville, Fla., were arrested on March 13 during what they described as a visit to friends in the border’s demilitarized zone. An Iraqi court sentenced them to eight years’ imprisonment.