TWO French journalists freed after a 4-month hostage ordeal in Iraq returned to a heroes’ welcome in Paris yesterday as the relieved government basked in a national wave of joy at their safe release.

Two French reporters, freed from four months of captivity in Iraq, arrived home tonight as the government said it negotiated an end to their ordeal without paying a ransom.

On the day of a deadly attack against US troops, Iraq’s finance minister said he saw signs of improvement in his country’s security.

France is receiving information about the two French journalists held hostage in Iraq on a regular basis and, despite four months of captivity, they are in good health, Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said.

France today marked what President Jacques Chirac called a “sad anniversary” - 100 days since two French reporters were taken hostage in Iraq.

INSURGENTS in war-ravaged Iraq have kidnapped more than 150 foreigners in their campaign to drive out coalition forces and hamper reconstruction.

A Briton a two Americans were kidnapped in Baghdad today, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said.

A French journalist has been killed in north eastern Afghanistan.

A French journalist was killed today in northeastern Afghanistan, Radio France Internationale said.