Kidnapped Libyan Olympic Committee president releasedJuly 22, 2012 - 16:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The president of the Libyan Olympic Committee has been freed, a week after he was kidnapped by gunmen in Tripoli, according to BBC News. Ahmed Nabil al-Taher al-Alam was in a car with a colleague last weekend when two vehicles carrying men in uniform blocked the road and took him away. He returned home unharmed early on Sunday, July 22 morning, his brother said. Alam took charge of the Olympic committee after its president, Mohammed Gaddafi, a son of the late Libyan leader, fled to Algeria last year. The two men are reported to have been friends before the uprising. Alam's brother, Salah, said it was not yet clear who the gunmen were, why they abducted his brother, and why they released him. A spokesman for the Olympic committee initially told Libyan television that the kidnappers had informed Alam that they were from the army, although he later said they were not soldiers. Alam's deputy, Nour al-Din al-Krekshi, said he was now resting and would travel to London for the Olympic Games in two or three days. "The Olympic staff have worked hard for his release," he added. Libya's interim government has struggled to bring under control the militias who helped overthrow Muammar Gaddafi. Some former rebel fighters have refused to lay down their arms and often take the law into their own hands, detaining people without government consent. Earlier this month, two Libyan journalists were kidnapped near the former Gaddafi stronghold of Bani Walid. And a militia in Zintan is still holding Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |