douglas wood released

Wednesday June 15, 06:52 PM AAP

Douglas Wood has been released: PM


Australian hostage Douglas Wood who was kidnapped in Iraq has been released, Prime Minister John Howard has told parliament.

Mr Howard said Mr Wood was under the protection of an Australian team sent to Baghdad to negotiate his release.

"He's now under the protection of the Australian emergency response team in Baghdad," he told parliament.

"I understand that he is well, he's undergoing medical checks at the present time."

Mr Howard said Mr Wood was under the protection of an Australian team sent to Baghdad to negotiate his release.

"He's now under the protection of the Australian emergency response team in Baghdad," he told parliament.

"I understand that he is well, he's undergoing medical checks at the present time."

Mr Howard said Australians would be jubilant about the news of Mr Wood's release.

"This man has suffered immensely," he said.

"I want on behalf of all of the parliament to pay tribute to the dignity and strength of his fam