Brother of one of the two kidnapped French journalists Christian Chesnot answers questions in Paris, Dec. 21, 2004. The release came four months after Christian Chesnot of Radio France Internationale and Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro newspaper were kidnapped on Aug. 20 when heading to the southern Iraqi city of Najaf.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Brother of one of the two kidnapped French journalists Christian Chesnot answers questions in Paris, Dec. 21, 2004. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) File photo of the two French journalists held by an Iraqi militant group since August. Christian Chesnot of Radio France Internationale and Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro newspaper had been released on Dec. 21, 2004 before Christmas in Iraq. (Xinhua/AFP File Photo) File photo of the two hostages: Christian Chesnot(L) of Radio France Internationale and Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro newspaper. (Xinhua File Photo)

Iraqi militant group frees 2 French hostages -- Al Jazeera

   CAIRO, Dec. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- A militant group in Iraq said two French journalists held since August had been released and sent to the French Embassy in Baghdad, the Arab-language Al-Jazeera satellite TV reported Tuesday.

   The release came four months after Christian Chesnot of Radio France Internationale and Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro newspaper were kidnapped on Aug. 20 when heading to the southern Iraqi city of Najaf together with their Arab driver.

   Their release has been confirmed by the French government, which said they would return to France as soon as possible.

   The driver was freed in November.

   A militant group calling itself the Islamic Army in Iraq claimed responsibility for the abduction. 

France says two French journalists are freed in Iraq

    PARIS, Dec. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- The two French journalists who had been held hostage in Iraq since Aug. 20 were freed Tuesday and were expected to return to Paris on Wednesday, the French Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday.

    "They have been freed. They have been handed over to French authorities. They will return (to Paris) Wednesday," French Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Herve Ladsous, said.

    The two journalists, Christian Chesnot, 37, of Radio France Internationale and Georges Malbrunot, 41, of Le Figaro, were kidnapped along with al-Jundi on Aug. 20 south of Baghdad by a group calling itself the "Islamic Army of Iraq." The group demanded that the French government revoke the headscarf ban in public schools. France rejected the demand.

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