French Journalists in Afghanistan Freed

Source: Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — French television has reported that two journalists held hostage in Afghanistan since December 2009 were freed Wednesday.

France-3 television said in a flash across their screen that their reporters Stephane Taponier and Herve Ghesquiere have been released, without providing further details. Their translator, Reza Din, was also released.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the two men were in good health and would be returning shortly to their homeland after one of France's longest hostage ordeals.

President Nicolas Sarkozy thanked "everyone who participated in freeing the hostages" and praised Afghan President Hamid Karzai for his management of the hostage situation.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/06/29/world/asia/AP-Afghanistan-Hostages.html