Taleban 'free' French aid worker

[Eugene]

Source: BBC News

Last Updated: Friday, 11 May 2007, 15:01 GMT 16:01 UK

Taleban 'free' French aid worker

A French aid worker kidnapped by the Taleban in Afghanistan
on 3 April has been released in Kandahar province, a Taleban
spokesman has told the BBC.

The Red Cross has confirmed the news, saying Eric Damfreville
was handed over to them on Friday evening.

There is no news on the fate of three Afghans also abducted
by the group.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6647517.stm

[Kagemusha]

1. If the Red Cross confirmed it and the aid worker's in its care,

why is free in quotation marks, I wonder? (Obviously that's the BBC but...)

[Eugene]

2. Not officially confirmed, especially "no word from the French goverment."

As you said, it's the BBC. They like to put headlines
based on statements in quotes.

Update: FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER CONFIRMS AFGHANISTAN'S TALIBAN HAVE FREED FRENCH HOSTAGE - Reuters AlertNet