CAIRO, Sept 22 (Reuters) - An Egyptian cabinet spokesman said on Monday that negotiations to free 19 hostages seized in Egypt were continuing and it was premature to say they had been released.

"It is premature to say they are released. The negotiations are still continuing," cabinet spokesman Magdy Radi told Reuters.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit had earlier said the hostages had been freed and were safe and sound. (Reporting by Cynthia Johnston, editing by Tim Pearce)

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