Paris, Sept 6, SPA -- The government remains hopeful about the fate of two French hostages in Iraq but does not want tojeopardize their release by talking about it too much, anofficial said Monday. "We still want to believe that their liberation will comeas soon as possible,"Culture and Communications MinsterRenaud Donnedieu de Vabres told France-2 television. But, he added, "We have to be very cautious." Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot disappeared 17days ago on a trip to the southern Iraqi city of Najaf.--MORE1058 Local Time 0758 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/198514