The US is refusing to withdraw troops from Iraq despite the death threats hanging over two of its citizens.

The families of the two Americans have pleaded with their government to give in to the demands of the Iraqi kidnappers and pull out of Iraq.

The Iraqi insurgents have threatened to shoot the hostages unless America withdraws its forces within three days.

US Vice President Dick Cheney and President Bush would not want the government to negotiate with terrorists as "that would be doing just what the terrorists want and we can't be beaten by them," a spokesman said.