Hostages freed in Lebanon

Seven Estonian tourists abducted nearly four months ago by masked gunmen while cycling through Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley have been released, officials say.

The seven were being brought to the French Embassy in Beirut while arrangements were being made for their return home.

A previously unheard-of group called Harakat al-Nahda wal-Islah, or the Movement for Renewal and Reform, claimed responsibility for the March 23 abduction and demanded an unspecified ransom.

It was not clear whether the kidnappings were politically motivated, like the wave of abductions during Lebanon's civil war.

Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour said he was relieved at their release, "which turns a worrying page for Lebanon".

The hostages were taken to the French Embassy in Beirut and were in good health. They were released near the border with Syria.