Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Director of the Holy See Press Office Dr. Joaquin Navarro-Valls released this statement this morning: “The news of the release of Archbishop Basile Georges Casmoussa of Mossul in Iraq was welcomed with relief. The Archbishop was taken hostage yesterday afternoon. Immediately informed of the Archbishop’s release, the Holy Father thanked God for the happy outcome of the incident. No ransom money was paid. The hostage taking met with surprise because the Archbishop is loved by local Christians and Muslims.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 18/1/2005; righe 7, parole 91)