Switzerland’s foreign ministry says the two Swiss nationals held by Libya have been released to the Swiss embassy in Tripoli.

The hostages are said to be doing well under the circumstances. They haven’t been allowed to leave Libya since the arrest of Colonel Gaddafi’s son Hanibal in Geneva over a year ago.

Libya has given no reason for their release. Swiss president, Hans Rudolf Merz said he was relieved at the news but made no further comment.

The release of the detainees comes days after Switzerland announced it was suspending a treaty aimed at normalising relations with Libya.

The two were taken to an unknown location in Libya in September and there was word about them until now.