Deal struck for release of kidnapped tourists

A negotiator has said a deal had been struck for the release of a former German deputy foreign and his family who were kidnapped by tribesmen demanding the release of five jailed members of their clan.

Sheikh Awadh Bin al-Wazir, a member of parliament and a key negotiator, said the kidnappers had agreed to free the hostages before tomorrow morning if negotiators took the captives’ place in custody.

“We have agreed to the kidnappers’ demands after personally consulting with the president and government officials,” al-Wazir said.

The kidnappers abducted Juergen Chrobog, his wife and three children after as they toured the mountains of eastern Yemen on Wednesday.

Chrobog, 65, served as deputy foreign minister in Gerhard Schroeder’s government, which left office in November.

He had been German ambassador to Washington.