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Dutch hostage in Afghanistan released after 81 days

Xinhua, September 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

Dutch aid worker Anja de Beer, who was kidnapped in June in Kabul, Afghanistan, was released on Thursday, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

De Beer, who heads the Afghan office of Swiss aid group Helvetas, has been held in captivity in Afghanistan as a hostage since June 22, 2015. According to a statement by the Ministry De Beer is doing well under the circumstances, with the Dutch embassy in Kabul providing consular assistance.

Dutch Foreign minister Bert Koenders welcomed the release. "I am pleased to hear that Anja de Beer has been released, putting an end to 81 long days of uncertainty," he said. "I spoke with her, and it was very reassuring to hear she is in good health."

Koenders has conveyed her gratitude of the Dutch government to the Afghan authorities. According to the statement the Dutch have consistently reminded the Afghan authorities of their responsibility to ensure De Beer's safety and release.

It is unclear by whom De Beer has been kidnapped and how she was released. For the sake of other westerners being kidnapped in Afghanistan Koenders doesn't want to go into details. Endit