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Some of the 14 freed Europeans were wearing local robes as they emerged from their five-month Sahara kidnap ordeal

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Many of the group looked dishevelled and weary as they waited to meet Malian officials...

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...but there was joy as they met Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure (l) who played a big role in their release

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The hostages were bussed to Bamako airport after being handed over to their countries' authorities

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A German military plane arrived in Mali to take the hostages home after their kidnap ordeal

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They arrived in Germany, their journey almost over, and were met by friends and relatives

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Swiss hostages looked relieved as they arrived later in Zurich clutching a few possessions

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The strain of the ordeal was clear as hostages spoke to the media