Video released of kidnapped tourists

TALLINN -- The seven cyclists who were kidnapped in Lebanon last month have appeared in a video pleading with world leaders to help secure their release.

The seven hostages appear alive and healthy in the video, which was sent to the Estonian Foreign Ministry on April 20, though there is no indication when the video was made or where they might be held.

"Please do anything to help us to get back home and please give what we ask you. Please make everything to make us get back home to our families as soon as possible," one of the hostages said in a pre-prepared statement in English.

The statement called on the leaders of Saudi Arabia, France, Lebanon, and Jordan to come to their aid, though no specific demands have been made by the kidnappers.

A previously unknown terror group calling itself "The Movement of Rebirth and Reform" took responsibility for the act earlier this month.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet in a press release confirmed that the ministry had received a link to the video, originally posted on YouTube, and said that he would turn to the countries mentioned in the video for their assistence in the case.

Seven cyclists were kidnapped by masked gunmen on March 23 near Zahle, Lebanon's third largest city, shortly after crossing over the border from Syria.

Estonian authorities are working in close contact with Lebanese police, who have so far detained seven people in connection with the kidnapping and have warrents for four more.