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                     Four French Hostages in Niger Released

   Four French hostages kidnapped in Niger by al-Qaida-linked militants
   have been released after more than three years in captivity.
   French President Francois Hollande announced the hostages` release
   Tuesday while on a visit to Slovakia. He credited Niger`s President
   Mahamadou Issoufou for the release.
   French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said, "An initiative taken
   by the network of the Niger president" allowed the liberation without a
   clash or France paying a ransom.
   The four French nationals were working for French nuclear firm Areva
   when they were kidnapped by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb in the town
   of Arlit on September 16, 2010.
   A French woman and two Africans captured at the same time were released
   later.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/four-french-hostages-in-niger-release
   d/1779638.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/four-french-hostages-in-niger-released/1779638.html