Russian, Italian hostages released in Syria
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E-mail Xinhua, February 4, 2013
Two Russians and an Italian have been released by Syrian rebels after being held for nearly two months, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday.
"On Feb. 3 Russian citizens Victor Gorelov and Abdessatar Khassun were exchanged for the captured rebels. The Russians were kidnapped on Dec. 12, 2012, by Syrian extremists on their way between the cities of Homs and Tartus," the ministry's official website said.
The Russians have already arrived at the Russian embassy in Damascus. "They have a chance to speak to their relatives," the ministry said, adding that the hostages were in good health.
Italian citizen M. Belluomo, who was taken hostage together with the Russians, has also been freed.
Moscow said it had been in communication with the Syrian government and different opposition forces in Syria and abroad from the moment the hostages were taken.
Russia reiterated the advice for its nationals not to visit Syria due to the armed conflict in the Arab country.
The three hostages were said to be workers at a steel plant near Homs.
