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09/03/2007
Kidnapped Britons reported 'unharmed and safe'
Four British embassy employees who were kidnapped in Ethiopia are reported to be unharmed and safe.
According to reports, the Britons - one of whom has joint Italian-British nationality - are being held along with a French citizen and eight Ethiopians by Afar separatist rebels in Eritrea.
They disappeared on March 1 after going sightseeing in the region. The Ethiopians are understood to be acting as tour guides and drivers.
It is understood that the reports of the whereabouts of the group came from Ismael Ali Gardo, the co-founder of the Afar Pastoralists Development Association. He told the Reuters News Agency that the information has come from nomadic herders in Eritrea.
Later on Friday, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said that the group were reported to be in the Afar region and were "safe and secure", although they did not know who the kidnappers were.
However, the country's Information Minister has denied that the group is in the country.
The Foreign Office said that they were looking into the reports.
Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "We have had indications that there are people who are saying that the hostages are OK.
"Obviously the issue of where they are is still something that is having to be looked at."
(KMcA/SP)
According to reports, the Britons - one of whom has joint Italian-British nationality - are being held along with a French citizen and eight Ethiopians by Afar separatist rebels in Eritrea.
They disappeared on March 1 after going sightseeing in the region. The Ethiopians are understood to be acting as tour guides and drivers.
It is understood that the reports of the whereabouts of the group came from Ismael Ali Gardo, the co-founder of the Afar Pastoralists Development Association. He told the Reuters News Agency that the information has come from nomadic herders in Eritrea.
Later on Friday, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said that the group were reported to be in the Afar region and were "safe and secure", although they did not know who the kidnappers were.
However, the country's Information Minister has denied that the group is in the country.
The Foreign Office said that they were looking into the reports.
Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "We have had indications that there are people who are saying that the hostages are OK.
"Obviously the issue of where they are is still something that is having to be looked at."
(KMcA/SP)
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13 March 2007
Britons kidnapped in Ethiopia freed
A group of British embassy workers kidnapped in Ethiopia earlier this month have been released in neighbouring country Eritrea, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has announced.
Britons kidnapped in Ethiopia freed
A group of British embassy workers kidnapped in Ethiopia earlier this month have been released in neighbouring country Eritrea, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has announced.
08 July 2009
Youth Programme Pilot 'Did Not Reduce Teenage Pregnancies'
A government-backed pilot scheme to help cut pregnancies among teenagers at risk has been abandoned as it failed to have any significant impact. An independent review published today by the bmj.com was commissioned by the Department of Health to examine the £5.9m Young People’s Development Programme (YPDP).
Youth Programme Pilot 'Did Not Reduce Teenage Pregnancies'
A government-backed pilot scheme to help cut pregnancies among teenagers at risk has been abandoned as it failed to have any significant impact. An independent review published today by the bmj.com was commissioned by the Department of Health to examine the £5.9m Young People’s Development Programme (YPDP).
28 November 2005
Two Britons killed in Iraq
Two British men have been killed in a gun attack in Iraq, it has been reported. The men, who are understood to be Shi’ite Muslims from west London, died when gunmen opened fire on their minibus, which was taking a group of Muslims to visit holy sites. The attack happened at a checkpoint in the Dora neighbourhood.
Two Britons killed in Iraq
Two British men have been killed in a gun attack in Iraq, it has been reported. The men, who are understood to be Shi’ite Muslims from west London, died when gunmen opened fire on their minibus, which was taking a group of Muslims to visit holy sites. The attack happened at a checkpoint in the Dora neighbourhood.
18 January 2005
Tesco enjoy record Christmas sales
Leading UK supermarket chain, Tesco, have reported strong growth and record sales over the Christmas and New Year period. The retailer's Christmas and New Year trading statement revealed that group sales had increased by 13% in the seven weeks up to January 8. Like-for-like sales, excluding petrol, also increased by 7.
Tesco enjoy record Christmas sales
Leading UK supermarket chain, Tesco, have reported strong growth and record sales over the Christmas and New Year period. The retailer's Christmas and New Year trading statement revealed that group sales had increased by 13% in the seven weeks up to January 8. Like-for-like sales, excluding petrol, also increased by 7.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
