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FRANCE-YEMEN

French hostage flies home after being freed in Yemen

Isabelle Prime, France's last hostage abroad, is scheduled to fly home on Friday, after being held captive for more than 5 months in Yemen. No details of her release were given and the identity of her kidnappers still remains unknown. 

Demonstrators in Yemen call for the release of French hostage Isabelle Prime, 24 February 2015.
Demonstrators in Yemen call for the release of French hostage Isabelle Prime, 24 February 2015. AFP / MOHAMMED HUWAIS
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"France expresses its sheer gratitude towards the Sultan of Oman-Sultan Qaboos Bin Said... in working towards the release of our compatriot," French President François Hollande said in a press release.

After more than five months in captivity, Isabelle Prime- France's last hostage abroad- was freed on Thursday night.

According to her father, the ex-hostage is "doing well."

The 30-year-old consultant was in Yemen working on a World Bank-funded project, when she was abducted last February.

She and her interpreter, Cherine Makkaoui, had been travelling to the Yemeni capital Sanaa. Makkaoui however was later released in March.

Reactions poured in on Friday after news of Prime's release. French Foreign minister Laurent Fabius said "it was proof that France never abandons its people," whilst Prime minister Manuel Valls expressed his "joy," although the conditions of her liberation remain unclear.

The Foreign ministry has shot down claims that a ransom was paid in exchange for Prime's release, declaring it was not part of the country's policy.

Prime is expected to touch down in Paris this evening, where she will be met by the President and Foreign minister, before being reunited with her family.

Her captivity in Yemen had sparked widespread concern as it took place in a backdrop of conflict.

The country has been riven by violence since a Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes against Shia Huthi rebels earlier this year - after they seized the capital Sanaa.

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