Ecuador: kidnapped oil workers freed

The authorities in Ecuador say seven foreign oil workers, who were kidnapped last October, have been released, apparently after the payment of a large ransom.

The hostages, from the United States, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina, were set free near the border with Colombia.

They were expected to be flown to the capital, Quito.

A month ago, another of the hostages -- an American -- was found dead, with a message saying he had been killed because no ransom had been paid.

No group has claimed responsibility.

Two years ago, eight overseas workers were kidnapped in the same region.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service