French, Canadian aid workers freed in Darfur

Two aid workers held hostage in Darfur, one French and one Canadian, were freed after three weeks in captivity.

The two women, sent to Darfur by non-governmental group International Medical Aid, were in good health Thursday, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said.

International Medical Aid identified the two women as Stephanie Jodoin, of Canada, and Claire Dubois, of France, seized April 4 in southwest Darfur.

Kouchner expressed thanks Thursday to those who helped free the workers. Neither he nor the aid group would elaborate on the release.

"We have handled the case wisely and averted the use of force for the safety of the …