1.   The freed passengers were taken to Jaffna where they were visited by Red Cross officials.

2.   The other four freed passengers were women and children, Cote said.

3.   However, Fruh said the LTTE had promised to produce the freed passengers at their stronghold in the Jaffna peninsula on Wednesday afternoon.

4.   No injuries were reported among the freed passengers, although three required hospital treatment for unspecified reasons, police and airport authorities said.

5.   Policemen were later checking identities to ensure no hijackers were being let off the plane with the freed passengers.

6.   The freed passengers are due in Vavuniya late Tuesday.