German hostages in Iraq released

The German foreign minister Frank Walter announced on Monday the release of the German archeologist Suzanne Ostove who was kidnapped with her Iraqi driver three weeks ago in Ninwa governorate north of Iraq.

In a press conference in Berlin, the German foreign minister said "it pleases me to announce today (Sunday) and on behalf of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, that Mrs. Ostove is no longer in the hands of the kidnappers and that she is safe in the care of the German embassy in Baghdad," noting that she is in a good health condition and that the kidnappers also announced they will release her driver.

The kidnappers had handed over a video tape for the German TV station (ARD) in Baghdad, a short time after the kidnapping threatening to kill the two hostages unless Berlin ends its support to the current Iraqi government. Merkel which had faced the first challenge for her new government stressed that Berlin will not be subjected to blackmail.