Three female Italian tourists kidnapped by Yemeni tribesmen were released in the eastern province of Marib, but two men remained in captivity, local officials told Deutsche Presse- Agentur dpa Sunday. The three women were handed over to tribal elders who had intervened to remind the kidnappers that abducting women violated tribal norms, a local official said. The five tourists were on their way back to the capital Sana'a on Sunday in a three-car convoy when they were intercepted by armed men and forced to drive to Serwah, some 30 kilometres from Marib city, the official said. Tribal and municipal negotiators were reported to be holding talks wih the kidnappers to secure the "swift and safe release" of the two Italians.
