Ransom clouds Italians’ release

National joy in Italy at the safe return of two aid workers held hostage in Iraq gave way in some quarters on Wednesday to concern that Rome...

National joy in Italy at the safe return of two aid workers held hostage in Iraq gave way in some quarters on Wednesday to concern that Rome had paid a ransom for the women’s freedom.

While most Italians delighted that ‘‘the two Simonas’’ had told police they were treated ‘‘very well’’ during three weeks in captivity, some warned of the risks of buying off kidnappers. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s government was still refusing to comment publicly on whether a ransom was paid to secure the release of Simona Pari and Simona Torretta, both 29.

But the chairman of parliament’s foreign affairs committee said Italy probably paid a ransom of around $1 million: ‘‘The lives of the girls was the most important thing,’’ said Gustavo Selva, a member of Berlusconi’s centre-right coalition.

‘‘In principle, we shouldn’t give in to blackmail but this time we had to, although it’s a dangerous path to take because, obviously, it could encourage others to take hostages, either for political reasons or for criminal reasons.’’ Asked if the ransom had been $1 million, Selva said: ‘‘I think we paid in the end. The sum is probably correct.’’