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German Climbers Kidnapped in Turkey

Three German climbers seized by Kurdish rebels during an expedition on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey were released last Sunday in good condition, authorities said.

The climbers, part of a 13-member German team, were abducted on July 8th from the group's camp at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet).

The PKK rebels have been fighting for self-rule in southeastern Turkey since 1984 in a campaign that has left tens of thousands of people dead. Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union consider the PKK a terrorist organization.

Cetin said the rebels were forced to free the hostages after being pursued by Turkish troops.

"They left them on a hill and fled," Cetin told a televised news conference. "Half an hour later, paramilitary forces picked them up."

Cetin said the climbers were rescued before the rebels could cross the border with them.

Read the full story on the International Herald Tribune Website

Thanks to ChrisJD for the information on this story


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1 Aug, 2008
Shouldn't the title of this article be 'German climbers released in Turkey', they were kidnapped almost a month ago. I know it makes for a less exciting headline but that is what has actually happened, even if the initial story didn't make it onto the news page.
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