Paris welcomes the release of Nizar Nayouf

France on Wednesday welcomed the release of the Syrian journalists Nizar Nayouf, after nine years in the Syrian prisons, but without clarifications from him whether it will accept to receive him to undergo medical tests there, at his own request.

The spokesman for the French foreign ministry Francois Revaso " we hail the initiative which is represented in releasing Nayouf who suffers a critical health condition and needs certain medical treatment. His condition is well-known for the French authorities and has been monitored closely since several years."

Meantime, UNESCO's secretary general expressed satisfaction over the release of Nayouf. He said in a statement circulated on Tuesday" releasing Nayouf is a happy news which satisfies all those who defend the freedom of expression." He indicated that UNESCO " commends this decision taken by the Syrian authorities and hopes that Nayouf, who is very ill, will be able to travel abroad to receive medical treatment."