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MSF relief worker Arjan Erkel released in Dagestan

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Geneva/Moscow - Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) confirms that its aid worker Arjan Erkel, who was abducted on August 12, 2002 in Dagestan (Russian Federation), was released last night. First indications are that, for the circumstances, Arjan is in good health. MSF is extremely glad that Arjan's ordeal has finally ended, after 20 months of detention. A representative of MSF is with Arjan at this moment in order to cooperate with the Dutch government to make sure that Arjan is repatriated without any delay to the Netherlands. MSF extends its hearfelt wishes to Arjan's family and hopes for a rapid recovery from the long period of uncertainty and anguish they had to endure.