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Algeria hails release of 3 Tunisian diplomats in Libya

Xinhua, June 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Algeria on Thursday hailed the release of three Tunisian diplomats in Libya, urging for setting free the rest abducted consular staff as soon as possible, according to APS news agency.

"Algeria hails this positive step, which comes on the eve of the fasting month of Ramadan, and urges the abductors to release the other hostages to allow them returning home safe and sound," reported APS news agency, quoting a statement of a Foreign Ministry spokesman on the release of three members of the Tunisian General Consulate in Tripoli.

The official added that "Algeria hopes that the crisis would reach a happy ending in the shortest time possible," saying the north African nation supports and stands in solidarity with the families of the abducted officials and with the Tunisian government and people.

The spokesman called "the brothers in Libya" to move on the path of reconciliation and dialogue to peacefully settle the crisis hitting their nation by rejecting terrorism and safeguarding the unity of Libyans and the territorial integrity of Libya.

Local media reported that gunmen raided the Tunisian General Consulate in Tripoli and abducted 10 consular staff on June 12.

Tunisian media say the attack may have been orchestrated by an armed faction called Libya Dawn, of which a senior member, Walid Kalib, was arrested last month by the Tunisian authorities and is facing terrorism charges.

Libyan media, however, quoted an official source as saying that the other seven diplomats would be released when Walid Kalib is released. Endit