More hostages released in Iraq

There are reports that three Egyptian hostages have been freed in Iraq.

It follows another report that two Italian women aid workers, kidnapped in Iraq three weeks ago, have been released.

Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi confirmed the women had been freed and were both well.

An Italian Muslim leader had arrived in Baghdad today and met with a local Muslim association to press for their release.

Al Jazeera television reported that they were handed over to the Italian charge d’affaires in Baghdad, the satellite news station said.

Simona Pari and Simona Torretta, both aged 29, were snatched from their Baghdad office on September 7 and had not been heard of since.

There were claims on the internet last week that they had been beheaded.