Italian journo released in Iraq

2005-03-04 21:02

Rome - An Italian journalist held captive in Iraq for a month was released on Friday, said a top Italian government official.

Giuliana Sgrena, who works for the leftwing Il Manifesto newspaper, might be back in Rome later on Friday, said Italy's undersecretary for foreign affairs Margherita Boniver.

The release "is confirmed 100%", Boniver told Sky TG24 television news.

Foreign minister Gianfranco Fini expressed "great joy and enormous satisfaction", said the ANSA news agency.

The Al-Jazeera television network first reported the journalist's release.

The journalist's father was so overwhelmed by the news that he needed help from a doctor, Ansa said.

"This is an exceptional day," said Franco Sgrena, according to the agency.

At Il Manifesto's offices, reporters toasted the release with French champagne.

"We can't wait to see her, but already we're sending her hugs," said Il Manifesto editor Tommaso Di Francesco to Tg3 television. "We're so happy."

Sgrena, 56, was abducted February 4 by gunmen who blocked her car outside Baghdad University.

Last month, she was shown in a video, pleading for her life and demanding that all foreign troops - including Italian forces - leave Iraq.

- AP