French hostages freed in Yemen

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Source: AP

Three French aid workers kidnapped in Yemen have been freed after nearly six months in captivity with the help of the sultan of Oman, the French president's office has said.

Men linked to al-Qaida's offshoot in Yemen had demanded a $12m (£7m) ransom for the trio, security officials and local tribesmen said in July.

The statement from Nicolas Sarkozy's office announcing the release on Monday provides no details of what happened. French authorities insist the government does not pay ransoms.

Sarkozy "warmly thanks the sultan of Oman and the Oman authorities for their decisive help, as well as all those who contributed to this happy outcome", the statement said.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/14/french-hostages-freed-yemen