2 March 2001 Media Statement

PM weclomes release of NZ hostage

Prime Minister and Acting Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Helen Clark has welcomed the news that New Zealander Dennis Corrin, of Nelson, has been released after being held hostage in Ecuador for nearly five months.

“We understand the group of hostages were picked up by the Ecuadorean military and taken to a nearby base. They are now on their way to Quito, and are expected there today,” Helen Clark said.

Dennis Corrin and nine other foreign nationals working at an oilfield camp in Ecuador's El Coca region were kidnapped on 12 October last year. Two of the hostages later escaped.

“We understand the released hostages are all well, but at this stage we have no further information about their condition.

"It will have been a very harrowing experience for Dennis Corrin. An officer from the New Zealand embassy in Chile is in Quito to provide any personal or consular assistance that Dennis Corrin requires.

"I have been advised that arrangements for the men once they get to Quito have been made by their employers.

“This is wonderful news for Dennis Corrin's family, for whom the last five months must have been very difficult.

The family has asked that the news media continue to respect their request for privacy," Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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