Hostages Freed: Reaction
There has been enormous relief at the news that British hostage Norman Kember and two colleagues have been freed in Iraq.
Here is some of the reaction from friends, colleagues and politicians.
Pat Kember, Mr Kember's wife:
"It's very good news - I'm delighted."
Ian Kember, Mr Kember's brother:
"It's a wonderful thing, and it's obviously a great relief, but beyond that I haven't come to terms with it yet.
"This has been the news we have been waiting for for a long time."
The Kember family, in a statement:
"We are very pleased that Norman and his friends are safe."
The family added: "We are grateful for the support we have received."
Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, who publicly pleaded for the release of Mr Kember:
He said he is "ecstatic" at the news.
"I am extremely pleased. I am very, very happy and hope to meet him soon after he gets back here.
A member of the Christian Peacemaker Teams told Sky News:
"It's amazing to hear this news. We lost hope for awhile after Tom's death so it's a big relief.
"I shall be giving Norman a big hug when I see him."
Friend and peace campaigner Bruce Kent told Sky News:
"This news is beyond belief."
He added: "In this awful mess of Baghdad, thank God there is one bright light anyway."
The Rev Alan Betteridge, friend of Mr Kember:
"We are immensely relieved and thankful, especially after the death of Tom Fox, which made us very fearful.
"We have been praying for them every day."
Pat Gaffney, general secretary of Pax Christi, told Sky News:
"The people of Iraq are daily going through the same kind of turmoil that we are going through and really the work of bringing peace to Iraq will have to go on."
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw:
"I am delighted that we have a happy ending for the hostages. His wife is absolutely elated with the news."
Sir Iqbal Sacranie of the Muslim Council of Britain told Sky News:
"Naturally we are delighted with this wonderful news that has come through. It is very timely, bearing in mind the tremendous effort that has gone on behind it from various groups, individuals and organisations all working to the same aim."
Defence Secretary John Reid:
"Above all today is a day to express our pride in the courage and determination of British Armed Forces who so often in such difficulties circumstances risk their own lives so that other people are protected.
"In this case it has been successful and I am delighted for everybody involved."
Chris Cole, director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, of which Mr Kember is a trustee:
"We are obviously delighted to have Norman, James Loney and Harmeet Sooden free.
"It is what we have been hoping and praying for for months but at the same time we continue to mourn Tom Fox and to continue to think of his friends and family."
Ihtisham Hibatullah, of the Muslim Association of Britain:
"The hostage takers were ruthless and did not heed this call. Now we all feel that this should be the last time in Iraq that anyone should be taken and put through this kind of trauma."
Speaking to Sky News, he said Mr Kember was a "true friend of Iraqis" who had worked for peace.
Downing Street statement:
"The Prime Minister is delighted by the news. He is particularly pleased for those released and their families.
"He congratulates everyone involved in the operation to rescue the hostages."
Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague
"This is excellent and welcome news for Mr Kember, the other hostages and their families, and all those who have been concerned about their well-being over the last four months.
"Coalition armed forces have again proven their professionalism and their excellence and we owe them our congratulations and gratitude."
Sky
