Hungarians Agree On Need For A “Different” EU Relationship, But Split On Ukraine Stance
NEW POLL: HUNGARIANS UNITED ON NEED FOR A ‘DIFFERENT’ RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EU, BUT DIVERGENCES REMAIN ON UKRAINE
Kurdish Rebels Release German Tourist Hostages
World | July 20, 2008, Sunday // 00:00
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Three German mountaineers abducted by Kurdish separatist guerrillas while on a climbing expedition earlier this month have been freed, Germany's foreign minister and Turkish officials said on Sunday.
"Given the circumstances, they are quite well," FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters in Berlin.
"The main thing is that we, together with the released men and their families, are very relieved," he added and thanked the Turkish authorities for their cooperation.
According to Turkish officials, cited by the Hurriyet news agency, the PKK separatists were forced to release the hostages when they were pursued by Turkish troops aiming to block their escape routes across the border.
The separatists left the hostages on a hill and fled, Gov. Mehmet Cetin told a televised news conference.
The PKK separatists had said they would hold the hostages until Berlin ended its crackdown on PKK in Germany but Steinmeier rejected the demands for a change in policy in return for the freedom of the tourists.
"Given the circumstances, they are quite well," FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters in Berlin.
"The main thing is that we, together with the released men and their families, are very relieved," he added and thanked the Turkish authorities for their cooperation.
According to Turkish officials, cited by the Hurriyet news agency, the PKK separatists were forced to release the hostages when they were pursued by Turkish troops aiming to block their escape routes across the border.
The separatists left the hostages on a hill and fled, Gov. Mehmet Cetin told a televised news conference.
The PKK separatists had said they would hold the hostages until Berlin ended its crackdown on PKK in Germany but Steinmeier rejected the demands for a change in policy in return for the freedom of the tourists.
Putin Declares Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine War
The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an “Easter ceasefire” in the war in Ukraine, declaring a temporary halt in hostilities lasting around 36 hours
EU Panic Deepens Over Hungary-Russia Ties and Possible Secret Leaks
A group of Members of the European Parliament has raised concerns over the potential leakage of confidential EU information to Russia, urging stronger safeguards within the European Parliament
Moldova Breaks Away From Russia-Led Bloc in Major Political Shock Move
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has formally enacted legislation withdrawing the country from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), marking a decisive step in Chisinau’s gradual disengagement from Russian-led structures
World | April 9, 2026, Thursday // 18:36
European Prosecutors Raid Bulgaria and Romania in €10M EU Funds Fraud Probe
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has carried out a series of coordinated investigative actions across several countries, including Bulgaria and Romania, as part of a probe into suspected large-scale fraud involving EU funds
Iran and US Clash Over Hormuz Control Despite Announced Pause in Fighting
A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has coincided with escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has moved to tighten control over one of the world’s most critical maritime routes
World | April 9, 2026, Thursday // 14:43
