Arabic-language al-Jazeera television says the kidnappers of two Germans have threatened to kill them within 72 hours unless Germany stops cooperating with Iraq.
Al-Jazeera broadcast a tape of the two German engineers Tuesday, sitting on the floor flanked by armed men. No sound was heard.
But al-Jazeera says the kidnappers demand Germany close its embassy in Baghdad and stop cooperating with the Iraqi government.
Gunmen claiming to be from the group the Tawhid and Sunnah Brigade kidnapped the Germans January 24 in the northern city of Baiji.
The German Foreign Ministry says the crime shows a contempt for humanity. A spokesman said the cabinet will meet Wednesday on the kidnapping.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.