WORLD : Red Cross Hostage Freed in Sidon

SIDON, Lebanon —  Kidnaped Swiss International Red Cross delegate Peter Winkler was freed today, a month after he was seized, witnesses said.

They said Winkler, abducted Nov. 17 near the Palestinian camp of Ein el Hilwa on the outskirts of this southern Lebanese town, was smiling and in good health when they saw him at the offices of the Sunni Muslim Popular Liberation Army militia which controls Sidon. Reporters quoted him as saying his release was “the most precious Christmas and New Year gift.” There were no immediate details on how Winkler was released.