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Qatar Receives International Congratulations on Hostages Safe Return | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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In this photo released by Qatar News Agency, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, right, receives a released Qatari hostage at the Doha airport in Doha, Qatar. (Qatar News Agency via AP)


Doha – The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, received a number of calls from Arab states leaders congratulating the Qatari leadership for the safe return of the kidnapped citizens previously held hostage in Iraq.

The families of the freed abductees continued celebrating the safe return of the Qataris and Saudis, as well as continued receiving warm congratulations on their safe return.

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) also offered congratulations to HH the Emir and the Qatari people on the release and safe return home of the Qatari citizens.

After nearly a year and a half in captivity, Qatar on Friday secured the release of 26 hostages, in what became possibly the region’s most complex and sensitive hostage negotiation deal in recent years.

Each of Kuwait Ruler Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Qatar and welcomed the safe return of the hostages.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani received a telephone call from Bahraini Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa offering congratulations on the return of the Qatari citizens.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the news. He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the release of the Qatari citizens.

The Arab League welcomed the release of the hostages, congratulating Qatar on this occasion.

Arab Parliament Speaker Dr Mishaal bin Fahm al-Salami also congratulated Doha on the return of its citizens.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also congratulated the Gulf state on the release of the Qatari and Saudi citizens, who were kidnapped in Iraq while on a hunting trip that was officially licensed by the competent agencies in Iraq.

The GCC Secretary General Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani extended congratulations to the Emir, government and people of Qatar, and to the King, government and people of Saudi Arabia, on the safe return of the Qatari and Saudi citizens to their homelands.

He praised the great made to secure the safe release of the abductees and their safe return to their families, and expressed the satisfaction of the GCC countries over the end of this difficult ordeal, which demonstrated the GCC solidarity in dilemmas and crises.