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Hague says Algerian hostage crisis 'top priority' Algerian hostage: Hague says crisis 'top priority'
(35 minutes later)
Foreign Secretary William Hague says the Algerian crisis will remain ministers' "top priority" until every British national is accounted for. The Algerian hostage crisis will remain the UK's "top priority" until every British national is accounted for, Foreign Secretary William Hague says.
Mr Hague tweeted the comment before chairing another meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee. He tweeted the comment before chairing a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency committee, as the siege at a gas plant there enters its fourth day.
About 10 Britons are unaccounted for, and at least one may be held hostage in the crisis at a gas plant in Algeria. Militants say they have seven foreign hostages: one Briton; three Belgians; two Americans; and one Japanese.
Militants holding the workers are holed up in an internal area and are surrounded by Algerian special forces. About 30 foreigners remain unaccounted for, including about 10 Britons.
Militants are holding workers are in an internal area and are surrounded by Algerian special forces.
Militant battleMilitant battle
The militants say they are holding seven foreign hostages: one Briton; three Belgians; two Americans; and one Japanese.
In total, about 30 foreigners remain unaccounted for.
One Briton was among 12 Algerian and foreign workers reported killed when militants targeted the desert gas facility.One Briton was among 12 Algerian and foreign workers reported killed when militants targeted the desert gas facility.
Mr Hague added: "My thoughts are also with the families of everyone affected, particularly those still waiting for news of their loved ones."Mr Hague added: "My thoughts are also with the families of everyone affected, particularly those still waiting for news of their loved ones."
Earlier, 573 Algerians and about 100 of 132 foreigners working at the plant were freed, Algeria said.Earlier, 573 Algerians and about 100 of 132 foreigners working at the plant were freed, Algeria said.
A number of freed Britons were been pictured on Algerian TV, where one said he was impressed by Algerian soldiers who battled with the militants.A number of freed Britons were been pictured on Algerian TV, where one said he was impressed by Algerian soldiers who battled with the militants.
The Foreign Office said on Friday that Foreign Secretary William Hague was cutting short his trip to Australia to return to the UK. One of the men held hostage, Iain Strachan, 38, from Howwood in Renfrewshire, Scotland, said he was "very relieved to be out", adding: "Obviously we still don't really know what's happening back on site.
"So, as much as we're glad to be out, our thoughts are with colleagues who are still there at the moment."
He said the Algerian army's assistance has been "fantastic".
"I've never been so relieved as when they came and got us off site," he said. "We thank them very much for that."
Mr Strachan was interviewed on a bus alongside Darren Matthews, 29, from Teesside.
Mr Matthews said: "I am relieved to be going to see friends and family. I feel safe at the moment but I won't feel 100% happy until I'm back in the UK, when I am back with my family.
"My heart goes out to the guys that are still there and hopefully everyone comes home safe because, at the end of the day, it's only work. No-one should have to go Algerian crisis UK's 'top priority'through that just for a job."
Foreign Secretary William Hague was cut short his trip to Australia to return to the UK in response to the crisis.
Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain would do "everything we can to hunt down" those behind the "brutal and savage" attack.Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain would do "everything we can to hunt down" those behind the "brutal and savage" attack.
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