PARIS - Human remains recently found in Lebanon have been identified as those of French hostage Michel Seurat, who was kidnapped in Beirut in 1985, according to a DNA test, his wife told AFP Tuesday.

"The test is positive," Marie Seurat said confirming an RTL radio report.

She said that she had been told of the test result by her lawyer.

Lebanese authorities sent human bones to French anti-terror judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, who is in charge of investigating the kidnapping, in November. Seurat, a sociologist, was kidnapped by militias when he arrived in Beirut in May 22, 1985.

A clandestine group, Islamic Jihad, later claimed responsibility for the abduction and announced his death in March 1986 but his body was never found.

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