After secret talks, four French hostages, kidnapped three years ago by al Qaeda's north African wing in Niger, have finally been released.<br/> <br />The freed hostages were flown into Niger's capital where they were greeted by the French foreign and defence ministers and the Niger President.<br/> <br />PRESIDENT OF NIGER MAHAMADOU ISSOUFOU SPEAKING WITH TWO RELEASED FRENCH HOSTAGES STANDING NEXT TO HIM / FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER LAURENT FABIUS (IN SUIT) STANDING NEXT TO HOSTAGES / (SOUNDBITE) (French) PRESIDENT OF NIGER, MAHAMADOU ISSOUFOU, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Niger is pleased about the liberation of the hostages. The liberation of the hostages took place in close collaboration with President Hollande. As you know it is more than 3 years since the hostages were kidnapped and Niger took measures to ensure their freedom which happened today.<br/> <br />Pierre Legrand, Daniel Larribe, Thierry Dol and Marc Feret were kidnapped by the Islamic Maghreb organisation in September 2010.<br/> <br />Visibly tired, dress
