Back in US, kidnapped UN worker says he's tired

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — A New Jersey man kidnapped and held for several months while working for the United Nations in Pakistan is home and in good spirits, but says he is "a little bit tired" after his ordeal.

John Solecki, 49, briefly spoke to reporters at his parents' home in South Orange. Wearing jeans, loafers and a brown jacket, his hair was long, but he was otherwise clean-shaven.

"It's great to be here. It's great to be home," he said. "My family and I would like to thank everyone responsible for my release. I'm a little bit tired. I'd like to just rest up with my family, so I'll leave it at that."

Asked about returning to his post in Pakistan, Solecki said he would continue his work, but wasn't sure what he would do next.

His brother William Solecki, a professor at Hunter College of the City University of New York, placed his hand around John's shoulder. John Solecki said, "I just want to take a walk in the park now," and left with his brother, crossing the street into a small park across from the family's house.

Solecki had been working for the United Nations refugee agency for several years before he was seized Feb. 2. His driver was killed in the ambush.

At one point, Solecki's captors had threatened to behead him. He was found April 4 with his hands and feet bound, but otherwise unharmed, along a dirt road near the Afghan border of Pakistan.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said in a statement Wednesday that Solecki and his family want to thank all those who worked to secure his release, including the media.

"After two difficult and stressful months separated from his loved ones, John's first priority is obviously to spend time in private with his family," the statement said.

Hundreds of UNHCR staffers gathered at the group's Geneva headquarters earlier this week, according to a release by the agency, and cheered the news of their colleague's safe release.

News of Solecki's return was welcomed by New Jersey officials.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said: "This is a beautiful day for John Solecki and his family in New Jersey. I am thrilled for them."

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ, said he was relieved to hear that Solecki was reunited with his family. "John and his family have had to endure far too much anguish since February," Lautenberg said.