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Kidnappers release Greek industrialist


    ATHENS (Reuters) - A prominent Greek businessman who was kidnapped for ransom earlier in June was released early on Monday, police said.

    George Milonas, 49, chairman of the Federation ofIndustries of Northern Greece and CEO of aluminium companyAlumil, was snatched at gunpoint on June 10 outside his home inthe northern city of Thessaloniki by unknown assailants.

    "He was set free after midnight," a police official who didnot want to be named said. "He is back at home sound and safe."

    Police did not provide any further details on thecircumstances of his release and whether ransom had been paid.

    The kidnappers had asked for 50 million euros to releaseMilonas.

    Kidnappings in Greece are rare but the country suffered aspate of assassinations of businessmen and diplomats from 1975to 2003, mostly the work of the now-dismantled November 17group of extreme leftist urban guerrillas.

    Milonas is married with three children and has been CEO ofAlumil group since 1988. The business is active throughoutGreece, the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East. Trading inshares of Alumil has been suspended.

    (Reporting by George Georgiopoulos; Editing by Jon Boyle)