The Irish Foreign Minister, Dermot Ahern, issued the
following statement today welcoming the release of
the UN workers, including Annetta Flanigan from Northern Ireland, held
hostage in Afghanistan.
Nov. 23, 2004
The Minister said:
"I am absolutely delighted that Annetta and her colleagues have been
released unharmed and are being reunited with their families.
I know that my sense of relief is shared by all Irish people. I wish
to pay tribute to the Secretary General of the United Nations and his staff,
and to the Afghan Government for their patient and tireless efforts which
led to the successful release of Annetta and her co-workers.
This has been a very difficult time for Annetta's husband José
and her family in Armagh (Northern Ireland) who have endured enormous distress
while waiting for news of her release. I am very happy for them that she
is now safe and well.
As we celebrate the release of Annetta, our thoughts remain with the
families of other kidnap victims, and particularly Ken Bigley and Margaret
Hassan, who tragically did not survive their abductions."
For more information:
Consulate General of Ireland, 345 Park Ave., New York, NY 10154-0037,
212-319 2563
 
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