41.   A German embassy official confirmed the release.

42.   US diplomats in Lagos have confirmed the release of several political detainees, the State Department said.

43.   Officials in Moscow could not confirm the release, however.

44.   Officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross were not available early Saturday to confirm the releases.

45.   Other sources, including the German Foreign Ministry, confirmed the release.

46.   Palestinian Attorney-General Khaled al-Qidra confirmed the release but said Sarraj might still be placed on trial for allegedly assaulting a policeman during his detention.

47.   The Irish government has yet to confirm the releases.