Two French journalists abducted in Afghanistan 18 months ago have been released, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced. Herve Ghesquiere and Stephane Taponier were freed along with their interpreter, Reza Din, Mr Sarkozy said in a statement in Paris. They are reportedly now at a French base in north-eastern Afghanistan. Expressing delight, Mr Sarkozy thanked Afghan President Hamid Karzai for his handling of the hostage situation. Prime Minister Francois Fillon told the French parliament the freed Frenchmen were at the Tagab base in Kapisa province. They were "in good health" and would be back on French soil "in a few hours", he said. There was no immediate word about two other Afghans who were abducted along with the three men released.