Talks are underway to release four Italian technicians who were kidnapped in Libya last month, head of the Italian Parliamentary Committee for the Intelligence and Security Services Giacomo Stucchi said on Friday.

In statements, Stucchi said that the four technicians were kidnapped by criminals seeking a ransom, stressing that the incident is not politically motivated.

The group was kidnapped on July 19 by unknown assailants near a compound controlled by Italian oil group Eni.