Snatched Britons are 'alive and well'

That's good news. I like good news.

Hopes for the safety of British embassy staff kidnapped in Ethiopia 10 days ago soared last night with reports they were "alive and well".

Rejoice!

The group -- three British men, a British-Italian woman and a Frenchwoman -- were said to be held over the border from Ethiopia in neighbouring Eritrea.

Wait, they're still being held? Hold that rejoicing. That's not great news but at least its not bad news.

While it was still unclear exactly who was holding them, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said his government was in contact with the kidnappers and had been assured that the group were all well. He told the Daily Mail: "We know that they are alive and well. We are doing everything possible to get them back.

I wouldn't call being held by kidnappers "being well" but at least they're alive.

"We know the general area they are in and there is communication with the group that have them. I can confirm that as of yesterday evening they are safe and secure. They are in a good condition."

Aside from the whole kidnapping thing.