French hostages released in CameroonApril 19, 2013 - 15:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A French family of seven abducted by Islamic extremists while holidaying in Cameroon have been freed after two months in captivity, officials said Friday, April 19, according to AFP. The hostages - a father, mother, four children aged 5 to 12, and an uncle - were all in good health, the French presidency said, adding that Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius was on his way to the central African state to greet the family. The Cameroonian president said in a statement read on national radio that the hostages -- who were seized by six gunmen on February 19 and taken to neighboring Nigeria -- had been "handed over last night to Cameroonian authorities". He did not say how they were freed but he thanked the governments of Nigeria and France. The French foreign minister said they were freed overnight on Thursday to Friday "in an area between Nigeria and Cameroon". "I spoke to the family on the phone. They are extremely happy and in good shape," Fabius told AFP. The family were seen arriving Friday at the French embassy in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital. French President Francois Hollande insisted after their release that France had not paid any ransom. They had been held by Islamist sect Boko Haram -- which is blamed for killing thousands of people in an insurgency in northern Nigeria since 2009. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. Armenian army holding strategic command, staff drills Live firing will be carried out using automatic control systems and modern equipment. |