British Hostage Norman Kember - Freed
'It's Great To Be Free'
British aid worker Norman Kember cannot wait to come home after he and two other peace activists were rescued in an overnight raid in Iraq.
The operation to release Mr Kember and two Canadian colleagues from the Christian Peacemaker Teams was "spearheaded" by British forces, thought to be the SAS.
Mr Kember, 74, has said in a statement: "It's absolutely great to be free - I'm very much looking forward to returning to the UK as soon as possible."
The three hostages, who were abducted on November 26, are now safely in the British Embassy compound in Baghdad's Green Zone.
Mr Kember, Harmeet Sooden, 32, and Jim Loney, 41, have all undergone medical checks.
The Briton is said to be in a "reasonable condition" and has spoken to his wife, at home in Pinner, north London.
Pat Kember has said it is "very good news, I am delighted". Police officers are with her at the couple's house.
A spokesman for the Christian Peacemakers, Doug Pritchard, said: "Together we have endured uncertainty, hope, fear, grief and now joy in the four months since they were taken."
He added that he has no news of the men's conditions other than they are "alive and well".
