11.   The tourists were released unharmed on Monday.

12.   The tourists were always released eventually.

13.   But governor Saleh Obad al-Khawlani said the seven kidnapped German tourists may be released sometime during the night.

14.   The tourists were released after four days in captivity.

15.   Officials said they had reached an agreement with the kidnappers to release the tourists without conditions at a negotiating session near Ain-Hadi between tribal and government delegates.

16.   One tourist was released upon the request of the French ambassador, Marcel Laugel, who wanted to be reassured about the health of the group.

17.   Security forces had arrested four of the kidnappers after the French tourists were released on Monday, but said they were hunting for their accomplices.