World

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Swiss researcher, Sylvia Abrahat is seen at the Doha International Airport in Qatar, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013. Abrahat, 35, kidnapped almost a year ago in Yemen was released in good health and flown to Qatar, whose government helped negotiate her release, authorities said Thursday. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal)

A Swiss researcher kidnapped almost a year ago in Yemen was released in good health and flown to Qatar, whose government helped negotiate her release, authorities said Thursday.

The woman, identified by Swiss authorities in Qatar as Sylvia Abrahat, 35, made no comment to reporters as she arrived late Wednesday at the VIP section of Doha International Airport. Her response to journalists' questions was simply "no, no."

Wearing jeans and a brown jacket with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, Abrahat appeared tired as she walked through the airport, but showed no visible signs of injury or abuse.

She was seized March 13, 2012 in the port city of Hodeida where she worked as a researcher at an institute.

The Swiss foreign ministry said in a written statement that she had been freed Wednesday.

"She is currently in the care of representatives of the foreign ministry and will be returned to Switzerland as soon as possible," spokesman Pierre-Alain Eltschinger said.

She did not appear to have suffered any physical injuries, he said, adding: "Her state of health is overall good, considering the circumstances."