Abducted bikers released in Lebanon, in good health

The cyclists appeared in a video in May begging for governments to negotiate their release Lebanon\'s Foreign Minister has confirmed the release of seven Estonians, who were kidnapped while on a cycling holiday in March. Lebanon\'s state news agency said that the tourists, who were abducted on March 23 near the town of Zahle in the Bakaa Valley, were recovered in Arsal this morning and transferred to Beirut.
A previously unknown group took responsibility for the kidnapping and demanded a ransom for their release. 11 people have been charged in the abduction of the cyclists, and four of these remain at large.  The reason for their kidnap remains unknown, as abduction has become a rarity in Lebanon since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. 
The cyclists, all men in their 30s, appeared in a YouTube video in May, appealing to regional governments to assist in their release.  One of the kidnapped men said in the video, \"We are very tired and we are in great danger,\" he said.
Lebanon\'s Daily Star cited a source inside the French Embassy, saying that the cyclists appear to be in good health. According to the paper, a French-delegation had met with local leaders in Zahle to discuss the release. The Estonians are being transferred to the French Embassy in Beirut, as Estonia lacks a permanent mission in Lebanon.

Sources: NNA, The Daily Star, Haaretz