News on releasing other Egyptian hostages; an eventful welcome for two released Italian hostages
Iraq, Local, 9/29/2004

The two Italian women hostages arrived at Rome's airport and were welcomed by the Italian prime minister Silvio Berlyskoni and several Italian officials, thereby ending the crisis of the two hostages. Large people celebration took place welcoming the two hostages.

One Iraqi group released yesterday evening the two Italian women Simona Bari and Simona Torita who were working in humanitarian organizations, two weeks after of detention. Immediately after their release the two women took a plane back home.

The Italian foreign minister Franco Fratini expressed his gratitude for the Arab and Muslim leaders over standing with Rome during the hostages crisis.

The White House welcomed the release of the two hostages and described it as "a happy event." A same welcome was expressed by Pope John Paul II.

Press sources in Baghdad reported the release of the two other Egyptian employees working in the Orascom telecommunications company who were also held in Iraq. Earlier in the day; the Egyptian charge de affairs in Baghdad confirmed the release of four Egyptian hostages.

Still the fate of the British hostage Kenneth Begley is not known with the continued mediations to release him. In this regard; news reports said quoting Palestinian and Irish officials that the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat interfered personally to help in release Begley.

Arafat's move came after he had received a message from one Irish politician urging him to help in releasing the British hostage.

Previous Stories:
  Two Orascom hostages released   (9/28/2004)
  Effort to free the hostages in Iraq continue   (9/27/2004)
  More kidnapping operations in Iraq   (9/25/2004)

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