PARIS, Aug. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Mohammed Ouathi, soundman of French public television France 3, who was kidnapped in the Gaza Strip eight days ago was released on Monday, according to Palestinian security sources.

    "I want to thank the Palestinian popular resistance committees who contributed to my freedom. I want to say that I was well treated and everything went fine," he told reporters after his release. "Now I want to go home, I want to phone my wife."

    Ouathi, 46, was abducted by armed men outside his hotel in GazaCity on Aug. 14, while the three other members of his crew escaped.

    French President Jacques Chirac thanked Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas for Ouathi's release saying he was relieved at the news.

    "In the name of all the French, he shares the joy and relief ofour compatriot, his family and his colleagues," said a statement released by Chirac's office.

    Chirac also congratulated "all the French services which mobilized for this release" and "addressed his deepest thanks to the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Mahmoud Abbas, for his action, as well as all those who contributed to the release ofMr Ouathi." Enditem