Australian missionary released unharmed

CANBERRA, Australia — Australian missionary Edward Walter Smith, 51, was released unharmed May 24 almost two weeks after being kidnapped by Colombian guerillas. Australian Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Matt Francis said Smith appeared to have been looked after reasonably well despite his ordeal. Francis said the kidnappers had demanded a substantial ransom, but none was paid.

Smith was captured along with three Colombian coworkers during a service at his church in northern Colombia. The three Colombians were also released. Smith has worked for 16 years with Australian Missionary Tidings, an organization related to the Brethren Church.