BEIRUT, May 25 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese national who was held hostage by Iraqi insurgents two weeks ago has returned safely to Lebanon, The Daily Star reported on Thursday.

    Carlos Dakkash, 43, arrived in Beirut Wednesday night from Baghdad via Amman, the Jordanian capital, a member of his family was quoted as saying.

    Dakkash was released by his captors without harm after he was abducted from his residence on May 8, a few days after his arrival in Iraq.

    Out of safety concerns for Lebanese still working in Iraq, the Lebanese authorities refused to reveal whether a ransom had been paid for Dakkash's release or name of the firm Dakkash was working for in Iraq.

    According to the As-Safir daily, Dakkash's abductors had asked for a ransom of 2 million U.S. dollars.

    Dozens of Lebanese have been kidnapped by armed groups in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Most of the hostages were released.

    Hundreds of Lebanese are still working in Iraq, particularly in the construction sector. Enditem