PARIS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- An aid group said on Saturday that two French humanitarian aid workers kidnapped in Afghanistan last month have been released.

    The Paris-based Action Against Hunger said in a statement that the two hostages are "apparently healthy" and will be sent back to France soon.

    No further details of the release were given. There are reports saying that the release was done without payment of ransom.

    The two aid workers were taken by unidentified gunmen in the Afghan province of Day Kundi on July 18.

    French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed his relief at the release.

    France currently has about 1,500 troops in Afghanistan. More soldiers were pledged by the French leader to help the country to maintain peace.