German archaeologist freed in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A German archaeologist who was kidnapped in Iraq three weeks ago is free.

Susanne Osthoff in recent years had dedicated her life to trying to save Iraq's archaeological sites from looting. She was the first German national to be abducted in the current wave of violence.

German officials have refused to give details on how Osthoff's release was negotiated and whether a ransom was paid, Deutsche Welle reported.

A profile in the New York Times on Sunday described Osthoff as a courageous woman driven to preserving Iraq's cultural heritage, with strong ties to the country, including a half-Iraqi daughter from a failed marriage, and with good instincts on whom to trust.