Washington: Reiterating its policy of "no concessions, no deals" with terrorists, the United States has said that those, who are holding hostages in Iraq, would have to release them unconditionally as any concessions or deals with terrorists would only encourage them.

To a question on release of Italian hostages in Iraq, the State Department's counter-terrorism coordinator Cofer Black said "no concessions or deals" would be made towards the terrorists. In its latest annual global terrorism report, the State Department said that President George W Bush has laid out the scope of the war on terrorism. It also highlights the policy principles that guide US counter-terrorism strategy.

It states that the US Government will make no concessions to individuals or groups holding official or private US citizens hostage.

The United States will use every appropriate resource to gain the safe return of US citizens who are held hostage. At the same time, it is US Government policy to deny hostage-takers the benefits of ransom, prisoner release, policy changes, or other acts of concession, it said.

The policy also says that the United States will track terrorists who attack Americans, no matter how long it takes.