The eight Chinese released from captivity in Iraq safely returned to their homes on Thursday. They were joyfully reunited with eagerly awaiting families early this morning.

The hostages flew from Iraq on Tuesday via Jordan, Bahrain and Hong Kong, and reached Fuzhou Changle International Airport yesterday at 7:40 PM.

Zhai Jun, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Western Asia and North Africa Department, met the men at the airport along with Fujian provincial government officials before escorting them to their homes on the island county of Pingtan.

"He's back safe," said Wei Shoulong, father of Wei Wu, a former hostage. "His mother and I are just so happy."

A fellow villager brought him several kilograms of noodles, which, according to local tradition, represent safety.

The hostages were freed last Saturday, but were not located by the Chinese Embassy in Baghdad until Sunday. They had traveled to Iraq to seek work.  

(China Daily January 27, 2005)