Italian kidnapped in Afghanistan freed and 'fine'
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-10 08:26

An Italian aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan has been released and is in good health after 24 days in captivity, government officials from both countries said on Thursday.

Clementina Cantoni, 32, was kidnapped by four gunmen on a Kabul street on May 16. Her abduction mobilized protesters in Afghanistan and Italy amid contradicting reports about her fate, including rumors that she had been killed.

"I am pleased to announce that this evening we were able to free Clementina Cantoni who was taken hostage 24 days ago by a criminal gang in Kabul," Afghan Interior Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali told a news conference.

Italian aid worker Clementina Cantoni, who was held hostage for more than three weeks in Afghanistan, has been released, the Afghan Interior Ministry said Thursday. [AP/file]

Cantoni, who works for the Care International aid agency, was in good condition and had been in touch with her family, he said.

"It's an enormous relief," Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini told reporters in Luxembourg.

The kidnapping was another blow for the U.S.-backed government of President Hamid Karzai as it struggles to impose authority while battling Taliban insurgents and a wave of crime.

It raised fresh fears of Iraq-style kidnappings by anti-government insurgents or criminals. Cantoni appeared in a videotape on May 29 looking tense and flanked by two men pointing rifles at her.

Cantoni's father, Fabio Cantoni, greeted journalists in front of his Milan apartment. "We have talked to Clementina and we found her in the same good humour as always," he said.

"Our first thoughts go to all of those people who still find themselves in the position Clementina was in."

Pope Benedict had joined calls for her release.

Sky Italia television showed pictures of Cantoni, her face and shoulders covered by a blue scarf, walking down some stairs with a woman.

Italian officials said she would spend the night at the embassy in Kabul before flying to Rome on Friday morning.

"NO RANSOM"

Afghan Interior Minister, Ali Ahmad Jalali, announces the release of kidnapped Italian aid worker Clementina Cantoni, at a media conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, June 9, 2005. Cantoni was kidnapped in Kabul on May 16 and released today. [AP]

Officials have declined to reveal the kidnappers' demands or identity except to say they were criminals, not militants. Jalali said the kidnappers were given nothing. "No ransom was paid and no other concessions were given," he said.

He said Cantoni's release was the result of hard work by the police and the country at large including tribal elders and Muslim clerics who had helped with negotiations. The kidnappers had finally been persuaded to free her, he said.

"We had 24 days of sleepless nights and we are happy that it paid off," Jalali said " ... she spoke with her family, her mother, and she is feeling well, she has good health."

Fini sent a letter to Karzai thanking him for his "determination." "The release of Clementina Cantoni represents a victory for Afghanistan and for Italy," he said.

Aid agencies have been forced to stop work in several parts of the country because of a spiraling violence. About 150 rebels have been killed in clashes in the south and east since March, according to U.S. and Afghan figures. Dozens of soldiers and police and 12 U.S. soldiers have also died in fighting.

There have also been bombs in Kabul and the southern city of Kandahar where a suicide blast killed 20 people last week. The government says the Taliban and their al Qaeda allies want to derail a September election.

Care International spokeswoman Beatrice Spadacini thanked the government and the Italian embassy. "We are delighted, we're very emotional, we're extremely happy," she said.

Three foreign U.N. workers were kidnapped in October and held for 27 days before being released. Their kidnappers were believed to have been criminals linked to a Taliban faction.

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