Sarkozy adviser: 2 French hostages in Afghanistan ‘in good health’; talks to resume

2 French hostages in Afghanistan ‘in good health’

PARIS — President Nicolas Sarkozy’s chief of staff says two French journalists held hostage in Afghanistan are “in good health” and that negotiations toward their release will resume.

Elysee Palace secretary-general Claude Gueant says French officials received proof in the last 10 days that France-3 television reporters Stephane Taponier and Herve Ghesquiere are alive.

The reporters and their Afghan guides were taken hostage in an area northeast of the Afghan capital on Dec. 29.

Gueant told Europe-1 radio Sunday that negotiations for the release of the two men were interrupted during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, but were set to resume once it ends in a few days.

He said the talks “were looking good” before the suspension.