Florence Aubenas, a reporter for French daily newspaper Liberation (AP - 2004 file photo)

French journalist Florence Aubenas, who was kidnapped nearly eight weeks ago in Iraq, has appeared for the first time in a videotape, raising hope that she is still alive.

The newspaper correspondent appeared disheveled and upset in the short, undated tape which was broadcast on European and Arab television Tuesday.

She appealed for help, saying both her physical and mental health are "very bad." Calling her case "urgent," she directly appealed to French legislator Didier Julia, who last year headed a failed mission to Iraq to free two other French reporters. Those reporters were later freed without Mr. Julia's assistance.

No group has claimed responsibility for Ms. Aubenas' abduction, and there were no banners or other clues in the video as to who is holding her.

Meanwhile, south of Baghdad in Hillah, families of the 125 victims of Monday's massive suicide car bomb began burying the dead. The attack also injured more than 100 people.