Sudan releases four foreigners seized in disputed areaBy BBC | Monday, May 21   2012 at  08:13

Sudan has freed four foreigners detained last month near the border with South Sudan, officials say.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who mediated between the two states, thanked Sudan for the release.

The four - from the UK, Norway, South Africa and South Sudan - were held in the disputed area, scene of recent clashes between Sudan and South Sudan.

Sudan had said the men were suspected of aiding South Sudan - a charge rejected by the South.

War debris

The government in Khartoum on Thursday confirmed the release of the four foreigners.

Sudanese Defence minister Abdelrahim Mohammed Hussein said: "We release them to President Mbeki."

The freed men then got into a vehicle, which was part of Mr Mbeki's motorcade, according to the AFP news agency.

The foreigners - whose names have not been released - were detained on 28 April.