Khartoum, 19 December 2011. The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr. Peter de Clercq, has welcomed the release of an Italian aid worker, Mr. Francesco Azzara, who was taken hostage by kidnappers in Nyala, South Darfur, on 14 August 2011. Mr. Azzara was working for the Italian NGO, Emergency, when he was abducted by armed men outside Nyala. “After 124 days in captivity, I am very pleased that this ordeal is now over for Francesco”, Mr. De Clercq said, adding that “it must have been a very difficult time for Francesco and his family”. The Humanitarian Coordinator thanked the Sudanese authorities and all those who worked so hard to secure Mr. Azzara’s safe release.