INDEPTH: IRAQ
Hostage release: Quotes
CBC News Online | March 23, 2006
Four months of captivity ended March 23 as three hostages, including two Canadians, were freed during a daring rescue in Iraq.
Canadians James Loney, 41, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, were freed along with Briton Norman Kember, 74. All three were members of the Chicago-based Christian Peacemaker Teams, an international peace activist group.
The body of a fourth hostage, American Tom Fox, was found March 10 with gunshot wounds in his head and chest.
Here's what was said following news of their release:
"It's unbelievable. I just don't remember what I said to him or what he said to me – I've seen him on video and he looks like he lost 10 kilograms or something. It was magic today, it was good, good. I still can't believe it."
– Daleep Singh Sooden, father of Harmeet, after speaking with his son Thursday morning.
"I imagine … we'll have a meal, maybe play some cards, just listen to each other's stories, sit across the table and look at each other, hold hands and give each other hugs, just do what we can to support each other."
– Ed Loney, brother of freed hostage James, describes how the family will celebrate when reunited.
"We are very pleased that Norman and his friends are safe. We are grateful for all the support we have had from so many people since Norman was taken hostage. We also thank everyone who has worked so hard for him to be set free."
– Norman Kember's family in a statement asking their privacy be respected.
"Our hearts are filled with joy this morning. Our gladness is bittersweet that Tom [Fox] is not alive to join his colleagues in this celebration."
– Doug Pritchard, co-director of the Christian Peacemaker Teams
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