France confirms aid worker kidnapped in Darfur

PARIS: A French man working for the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) was kidnapped Thursday in Sudan's Darfur region, the foreign ministry confirmed later in the day and asked for an immediate release.

Related readings:  Two peacekeepers kidnapped in Sudan's Darfur  China urges restraints on Darfur issue  FM urges contribution to Darfur solution  Sudan, Darfur rebels agree to hold peace talks

The ministry urged an unconditioned release of Gaughier Lefevre, a staffer for the ICRC, in a statement, saying the French ambassy in Sudan kept in close contact with ICRC.

ICRC personnel should be protected by international treaties since their action is exclusively out of humanitarianism and in lines with principles of independence and neutrality, the statement stressed.

According to local media, Gauthier Lefevre, 35, was taken away in Darfur by several unknown gunmen when returning to vehicles with clear ICRC marks with his colleagues. He has worked in ICRC for 5 years and was dispatched to the area 15 months ago.

Darfur region is Sudan's poorest district, where local militia have battled for independence since 2003. Even for international aid workers, abduction is not rare in the volatile region.