World News 29-09-2004 Hostages Freed For $1million who: Silvio Berlusconi what: Greets freed Italian hostages as they return from Iraq where: Rome, Italy when: Yesterday snippet: "Two Italian women kidnapped in Iraq and held hostage for three weeks were released unharmed yesterday," says The Financial Times, "along with two Iraqi citizens seized at the same time." "Simona Pari and Simona Torretta, both aid workers aged 29, were seized from their office in Baghdad on Sept 7," says The Telegraph. "They arrived at the Ciampino military airport in Rome last night where they were met by relatives and friends and the Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi." The Guardian says Iraq`s Muslim Clerics Association negotiated the freedom of the captives. "One report said the Italians paid a $1m (£550,000) ransom," says Baghdad correspondent Rory McCarthy. "Meanwhile, a French negotiator says he has reached a deal with kidnappers to free two French hostages in Iraq," says the BBC. And hopes have been raised for the safety of British hostage Kenneth Bigley - The Sun reports that the website of the Tawhid wal Jihad Lions of Jihad says Mr Bigley will be released. [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!