BAMAKO (Reuters) - Algerian militants have handed over all 14 European hostages held in the Sahara desert for over five months, bringing relief to families and negotiators who hope to bring the group to Mali's capital Bamako on Tuesday.
Confirmation from Malian and German officials that the group members were safe and in the care of Mali authorities ended a tense 24 hours of conflicting reports on the hostages' release.
"This was great negotiating skill by the Mali president (Amadou Toumani Toure)," Germany's Deputy Foreign Minister Juergen Chrobog told a German television station from Bamako.
"The president confirmed to me that all the hostages are well. So that is also a relief, it seems that no one has been hurt," added Chrobog.
It was not clear whether any ransom had been paid.
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