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Italian reporter Domenico Quirico freed in Syria Italian reporter Domenico Quirico freed in Syria
(35 minutes later)
The Italian newspaper La Stampa says its reporter Domenico Quirico, who was kidnapped in Syria in April, is flying home after being freed.The Italian newspaper La Stampa says its reporter Domenico Quirico, who was kidnapped in Syria in April, is flying home after being freed.
The 62-year-old veteran correspondent for the Turin-based daily had entered Syria from Lebanon on 6 April saying he would be out of touch for a week.The 62-year-old veteran correspondent for the Turin-based daily had entered Syria from Lebanon on 6 April saying he would be out of touch for a week.
He spoke by phone to his wife in June confirming he had been kidnapped but said he was in good health.He spoke by phone to his wife in June confirming he had been kidnapped but said he was in good health.
Mr Quirico was among four journalists held captive briefly in Libya in 2011.Mr Quirico was among four journalists held captive briefly in Libya in 2011.
The Italian government said Mr Quirico was on a plane bound for Rome, along with a Belgian man, Pierre Piccinin, who had been abducted with him and released at the same time, the news agency AFP reports.
'Filled with joy'
Italy's Prime Minister Enrico Letta welcomed the news. "Our hope was never extinguished," he said.
Foreign Minister Emma Bonino said she was "filled with joy and satisfaction".
"My thoughts are with Mr Quirico's relatives who will be able to greet him again after many months," said Ms Bonino.
"My thanks goes to those who played a part in the successful outcome... the Foreign Ministry and other state agencies who together pursued every channel to solve this case. It was particularly difficult in such a complicated environment as Syria.
"This is great news for all media workers who risk their lives in war to tell the truth in extreme situations."
The conflict in Syria has made it one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work in.The conflict in Syria has made it one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work in.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Syria was the most deadly country for reporters in 2012.According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Syria was the most deadly country for reporters in 2012.