Two Romanian workers have been arrested by the U.S.-led coalition forces for allegedly taking pictures and filming without permission in a U.S. military base in Iraq, Romanian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Corina Vintan said on Wednesday.

Vintan told a press conference that the two, identified as Adrian Gancean and Nelu Ilie, were arrested on Oct. 31, denying they had filmed the U.S. military base.

But they admitted having infringed the military rules, which they had duty to observe according to their labor agreements, Vintan added.

The two Romanians, a carpenter and an electrician, had worked since May 2006 for Al-Morell Development Co. which supplies mineral water for U.S. soldiers.

Vintan said the foreign ministry had received assurance from U.S. authorities that they would arrange a speedy hearing.

Meanwhile, Petre Dumitriu, director for global affairs of Romanian Foreign Ministry, said the security of the two could be ensured in compliance with the 4th Geneva Convention concerning the civilians in war areas.

"It might be a childish mistake, the two could have wanted to show off in front of their friends back home," Dumitriu said.

On Nov. 26, Romanian diplomats in Bagdad visited the two Romanian citizens at the military base and the two were healthy and living in decent conditions, Dumitriu added.

A delegation from the Red Cross also visited the two on Jan. 24, 2007. The two were also allowed on this occasion to speak on the phone with their families.

Source: Xinhua