WASHINGTON, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The White House welcomed on Thursday the rescue of three Western aid workers abducted in Iraq four months ago.

    "It's good news. We are pleased to see that they are safe and that they have been freed," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at a briefing.

    "There are American hostages that are still held not only in Iraq but also elsewhere. Those hostage are a top priority for thisadministration, and they will remain a top priority until their safe return," McClellan said.

    McClellan said the rescue effort was a coalition effort including American forces.

    The three Western aid workers, believed from Christian Peacemaker Teams, were freed in an operation on Thursday four months after they were taken hostage in Iraq. Enditem