South Asia News
Norwegian journalist and Afghan interpreter freed in Afghanistan
Nov 12, 2009, 10:18 GMT
Oslo - A Norwegian journalist and his Afghan interpreter who were kidnapped a week ago in eastern Afghanistan have been freed, the Norwegian foreign ministry said Thursday.
The November 5 abduction took place near the Pakistan border, the ministry statement said, saying the reporter himself had initially contacted the Norwegian embassy in Kabul about the kidnapping.
There were no details if ransom had been paid.
The announcement that the two had been released was made the day after Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store arrived in Kabul for talks with among others President Hamid Karzai. Store's visit was not announced in advance.
The online site of Oslo daily Verdens Gang said the freelance reporter was 46-year-old Pal Refsdal who was conducting research for a documentary film about Afghanistan, and that the abductions took place in Kunar province.
Refsdal has worked as a war correspondent and aid worker. In addition to Afghanistan he has also reported from other conflict areas including Kosovo, Sri Lanka and Central America, VG said.
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