Paris hails release of French official by authorities in Niger

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – Paris on Thursday hailed the release of a French official by authorities in Niger, according to a statement.

"France is delighted about the liberation of Mr. Stephane Jullien, an advisor to French nationals abroad, on Sept. 13 in Niger," said a French Foreign Ministry statement.

The statement gave no additional details about the move by Niger.

On Tuesday the ministry announced that Jullien had been arrested by Nigerien security forces the previous week and called for his immediate release.

Advisors in his position represent French nationals living abroad at embassies and consulates.

Paris and Niamey's relations grew tense after a July 26 military intervention threw the West African country into turmoil.

Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, a former commander of the presidential guard, led a military intervention that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The military recently instructed French officials to leave the country. But France has refused to comply, arguing that the military rulers are not Niger's legitimate authority.