Afghan president says kidnapped Italian journalist expected to be freed soon

Afghan president says kidnapped Italian journalist expected to be freed soon

Kidnapped Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo is expected to be freed soon, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Monday.

Mastrogiacomo, a reporter for Italian daily La Repubblica, was abducted along with two Afghans traveling with him March 5 in southern Helmand province's Nad Ali district. Taliban insurgents have claimed responsibility, reports AP.

"I hope the matter is resolved today (Monday)," Karzai told reporters after meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. "He should either be free by now or should be in the process of being freed."

"We did what we could to help with the release of the Italian journalist," Karzai said. He did not give details.