ANKARA - Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said early on Sunday that Turkish engineer Hasan Onal, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan, was freed and he was hosted by a reliable tribe leader for the moment.
Gul, who attended the European Union (EU) Intergovernmental Conference in Naples, Italy, returned to Turkey and he replied to questions of reporters at Ankara's Esenboga Airport. Gul said that Onal was not brought to Turkey's Kabul Embassy as there was not enough security at night, but he would be transferred to the embassy in the morning.
Gul said, ''Turkish engineer Hasan Onal was freed by those who kidnapped him. He was given to a leader of a tribe which we rely on. He couldn't be transferred to our embassy as there is not enough security at night. But he is the guest of a tribal leader whom we trust. He will be brought to the embassy in the morning. His family is also informed.''
When asked whether Onal was freed in return for the releasing of some militants, Gul said that it was out of question.
Upon a question whether Onal was freed after a certain negotiation or a concrete initiative, Gul said that every type of negotiation was made during this period and Onal was rescued safely, adding that he would be brought to embassy in the morning.
FOREIGN MINISTRY: TURKEY WELCOMES HASAN ONAL'S RELEASE
Foreign Ministry stated on Sunday that Turkey welcomed the release of Turkish engineer Hasan Onal, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan.
Foreign Ministry released a written statement and said that Turkey was very pleased as one of engineers of Gulsan Company Mr. Hasan Onal, who was kidnapped in Afghanistan on October 30, 2003 and who was kept hostage, was freed.
The statement said that Onal was in good condition and he was taken by Ghazni Governor's Office and then transferred to Turkey's Kabul Embassy, adding that necessary preparations were made for the arrival of Onal in Turkey.
''Turkey has rooted friendship ties with Afghanistan and today it is contributing to stability and peace of Afghanistan, reconstruction of the country and bringing prosperity to Afghan people. Hasan Onal is one of our citizens who takes part in a project carried on for helping Afghan people,'' noted the statement.
Noting that a multilateral and intensive activity was carried out for Onal's being free, the statement said that Turkey thanked all sides and officials who contributed to this.
The statement stressed that Turkey would continue its support to Afghanistan with its all institutions.
(GC-Öª) 30.11.2003