A militia in eastern Congo that seized eight Red Cross workers one week ago released them Friday, AP quoted Red Cross officials as saying. The seven Congolese and one Swiss national taken by the Mai Mai rebels are in good health and were being flown by U.N. helicopter to Bukavu, the provincial capital, said Desire Yuma, whose national Red Cross staff were among the captives. Geneva-based spokeswoman Nicole Engelbrecht said the staffers were released unconditionally, without ransom payment or any other deals made to secure their release. Franz Rauchenstein, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Congo, said in news release that the organization is "relieved and happy to have our eight colleagues back, in good health." "Their return marks the end of a series of long, hard days, not only for them but for their families and friends," he said. "We would like to express our deep gratitude to all those who have lent us their support over the last few days."
