This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24011595

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Italian reporter Domenico Quirico freed in Syria Syria abductors release Italian and Belgian
(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. Italian journalist Domenico Quirico and Belgian teacher Pierre Piccinin da Prata, who were kidnapped in Syria in April, have been freed, say officials.
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 Italian government said the men were being flown to Rome.
He spoke by phone to his wife in June confirming he had been kidnapped but said he was in good health. Mr Quirico, 62, a reporter for the Turin-based daily La Stampa, entered Syria from Lebanon on 6 April saying he would be out of touch for a week.
Mr Quirico was among four journalists held captive briefly in Libya in 2011. The men were reportedly together when they were taken - it is not clear who was responsible for kidnapping.
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. Mr Quirico had spoken by phone to his wife in June confirming he had been kidnapped but said he was in good health.
'Filled with joy''Filled with joy'
In a message on Twitter, Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said he shared the emotion and relief of the men's families.
Italy's Prime Minister Enrico Letta welcomed the news. "Our hope was never extinguished," he said.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".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 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. "My thanks go 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.""This is great news for all media workers who risk their lives in war to tell the truth in extreme situations."
Mr Quirico was also among four journalists who were held captive briefly in Libya in 2011.
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.