Afghans free two French hostages

Two French journalists held hostage in Afghanistan since December 2009 have been freed.

France-3 television said their reporters Stephane Taponier and Herve Ghesquiere have been released, without providing further details. Their translator, Reza Din, was also released.

President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a statement that he welcomed the release.

He also thanked Afghan President Hamid Karzai for his management of the hostage situation.