Sydney, Oct 18, SPA -- An Australian journalist was heldhostage in Baghdad for 24 hours over the weekend beforebeing released unharmed, Foreign Minister Alexander Downersaid Monday. The man, whose identity was not released, is the firstAustralian confirmed as having been held hostage in Iraq. Downer said the man was in good condition and hadrequested the details surrounding his detention, includinghis name, not be released until he had left Iraq. "In this particular case the journalist went out toinvestigate a story, I understand, and went to a part ofBaghdad he was advised not to go to, but he went thereanyway ... he was detained but just for 24 hours andsubsequently has been released," Downer told Melbourneradio station 3AW. The journalist was reportedly headed for Jordan.--SPA1442 Local Time 1142 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/211774