United Nations, Sep 7 (IANS) The UN Security Council (UNSC) Saturday welcomed the release of two Algerian diplomats abducted in northern Mali more than two years ago.

In a statement issued here, the Council members strongly condemned the assassination of another Algerian diplomat and expressed deep regret about the death while in captivity.

They also expressed their deep condolences to the family of the two victims as well as to the government of Algeria.

Seven Algerian diplomats, including vice-consul Tahar Touati, were kidnapped by the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) April 5, 2012, following the eruption of chaos in northern Mali.

In mid-July 2012, the extremist group released three diplomats. However, the vice-consul was reported executed, while another hostage Boualem Sayes died of illness. The two who survived the kidnapping are Mourad Mekssas and Kadour Miloudi.

In the statement, the Council members stressed that those responsible for these kidnappings and killings shall be held accountable. They called on the Malian government to "swiftly investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice."