Released Chinese hostages leave Iraq for home

BEIJING, Jan. 25(Xinhuanet)-- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said here Tuesday that he hoped the eight released Chinese citizens will come back to China within a day or two.

Eight Chinese nationals who had been held hostages in Iraq pose for a photo in Baghdad, Jan. 23, 2005.(Xinhua Photo)

Kong made the remarks when responding to journalists at a regular press conference. He said the eight citizens failed to leave Baghdad on Monday due to some problems with the flight.

Kong said he believed the Chinese Embassy in Iraq will make theutmost efforts and take the safest measures to let the eight released citizens back to China as soon as possible.

Kong confirmed Sunday that the eight kidnapped Chinese citizenshad come to the Chinese Embassy in Iraq on Sunday.