PARIS, Aug 22 (AFP) - President Jacques Chirac thanked Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas for the release Monday of a French TV soundman who had been kidnapped in the Gaza Strip eight days ago, saying he was relieved at the news.

"In the name of all the French, he shares the joy and relief of our compatriot, his family and his colleagues," a statement from Chirac's office said.

In it, he congratulated "all the French services which mobilised for this release" and "addressed his deepest thanks to the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Mahmoud Abbas, for his action, as well as all those who contributed to the release of Mr Ouathi."

Mohammed Ouathi, a 46-year-old sound technician working for the France 3 network, was freed Monday and was in the safe custody of the Palestinian security forces, Palestinian officials said.

The French national, of Algerian origin, was abducted by armed men outside his hotel in Gaza City on August 14. The three other members of his crew escaped. The team had been in Gaza to cover the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian territory.

Ouathi's sister, Rekia Ouathi, told AFP that she almost collapsed with emotion on learning her brother was freed

"It was Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin who called me around 2:30 pm (1230 GMT) on my mobile to announce my brother's release," Rekia Ouathi said.

"I nearly fell down with emotion. I can't find my words and I'm not yet able to cry with joy so immense is the emotion," she said.

"I only want one thing and that's to hold him close. I know he's going to be very proud of me because we fought for him."

The cirumstances of Ouathi's release were not immediately known. The group which kidnapped him has not been identified and no demand was made public.

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