Two hostages freed in Libya, sent to Malta

An Austrian and a Serb who had been held in Libya since March have been released a few hours ago and are now in Malta.

Both men - Austrian national Alexander Haas and Serbian national Babic Radoslav Srja - worked for Argus Security Company in Libya.

In a statement, the Maltese government said the two men were released following work between the Maltese, Libyan, Austrian and Serbian authorities and security services.

Austrian chancellor Werner Faymann and Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić were kept abreast of the developments by Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

The statement added that the situation was discussed between the Maltese and Serbian Prime Ministers during a meeting they had in Belgrade on Saturday.

It is understood that Maltese authorities played a role in the release of the two hostages and the trip to Malta was one of the conditions set in the negotiations.