Dutch hostage freed in Russia after 2 years

A Dutch aid worker who was kidnapped in Russia nearly two yearsago was freed Sunday in a police operation in southern Russia,officials said.

Arjan Erkel, who headed the North Caucasus mission of MedecinsSans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders, was found in theprovince of Dagestan, said Abdul Musayev, a spokesman for Russia'sInterior Ministry.

"First indications are that, for the circumstances, Arjan is ingood health," Doctors Without Borders said in a statement. The groupadded that it was cooperating with the Dutch government to make sureErkel could go home "without any delay."

Musayev wouldn't comment on whether ransom was paid and declinedto give details …