Islamist militants in Syria have released 45 Fijian troops who abducted by the al Qaeda-linked al Nusra Front while serving as United Nations Peacekeepers in the Golan Heights.  All of the peacekeepers are said to be in good condition.

Fijian authorities say the al Nusra militants demanded to be taken off the UN’s list of designated terrorist organizations; sought compensation for three fighters killed in previous clashes with UN peacekeepers; and wanted humanitarian aid to be delivered to parts of Syria.  Al Nusra denied asking to be taken off the list, and it’s highly unlikely that would ever happen.  Qatar is a prime backer of Syrian rebels seeking to topple President Bashar al-Assad and is believed to have played a key role in freeing the Fijians.

UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, “no demands were made and no concessions were made” to secure the release of the peacekeepers, and “no ransom was paid”.