Eight Chinese citizens held hostages in Iraq have been safely transferred to the Chinese side and will be back to China soon, the Chinese embassy in Iraq confirmed on January 23.

The embassy said all of the eight were well and in good mood, adding the hostages also expressed their appreciation to all sides that had made efforts to get their release.

The eight Chinese, aged between 18 and 40, were abducted en route to Jordan by gunmen identifying themselves as the Islamic Resistance Movement, according to a video tape released by the group on Tuesday.

They were handed over to an Embassy representative at a mosque in the western city of Ramadi, according to Iraqi sources.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan also confirmed Sunday that the eight kidnapped Chinese citizens, all from east China's Fujian Province, have returned to the Chinese embassy in Iraq.

The embassy will arrange them to return to China as soon as possible, Kong said, adding that China is gratified with the safe return of kidnapped Chinese citizens, expressing his appreciation to all friends who offered help in China's rescue mission.

Kong said that China hopes the situation in Iraq to resume stable soon and China supports Iraqi reconstruction process, adding that China will continue to make efforts with the international community for the appropriate solution to the Iraqi issue.

Kong again warned all Chinese citizens not to go to Iraq these days due to the current security situation in Iraq.

A videotape aired by Al-Arabiya showed Saturday that the eight Chinese hostages were released by Iraqi insurgents as a goodwill gesture for the friendship between the two countries of Iraq and China.

About 100 foreigners have been kidnapped by Iraqi insurgents in their bid to drive US-led forces out of the country and derail the national elections due on Jan. 30, with some having been killed.