Sudanese authorities hunting a kidnapped Irish aid worker and her colleague have narrowed down the search area, it was confirmed tonight.
Omer Mohamed Ahmed Siddig, Sudan's Ambassador to Ireland and the UK, said his government had been working with local tribal chiefs in war-torn Darfur to locate Sharon Commins and Ugandan Hilda Kuwuki.
The top diplomat told TDs and Senators he was unable to pinpoint where the Goal workers were being detained but claimed the hunt was focusing on a smaller area.
"I cannot give you a name of a village or co-ordinates, but the focus area of the search is getting narrower and narrower and ultimately will know exactly where they are," he told the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee.
Mr Siddig, who is based in London, said he will meet the Commins family on Friday to offer them the support of the Sudanese Government.
The Ambassador said that when women were kidnapped in Sudan it was usually for ransom, but said no demand had yet been received.
"When it comes to ladies... perpetrators are always looking for ransom," he said.
"It never happens in Sudan that a kidnapped lady is killed or harmed.
"Usually a ransom is not paid, but with the involvement of local chiefs, the ladies are released."
He described ransom payments as very dangerous but said using local tribesmen was the key to securing a release and had worked in the past.
"In such circumstances information from local chiefs and local tribes is very important," he said.
There has been no contact from Ms Commins or Ms Kuwuki since they were captured by a gang of armed men at a compound in the town of Kutum, northern Darfur, last Friday.
Mr Siddig said his country was very disturbed by the kidnapping and a national crisis management team had been put in place involving law enforcement and local administrations in Darfur.
Micheal Martin, Foreign Affairs Minister, met Mr Siddig earlier and claimed the east African country was doing all in its power to find the missing workers.
It was also revealed foreign diplomats who have worked on hostage situations have offered the Government advice and support in the hunt for the missing workers.
"We have received the strongest assurances from both the Ambassador and the Government of Sudan that no effort will be spared to secure the release of these two workers," he said.
"Obviously we are particularly concerned about it. Our team on the ground are working effectively and continue to work on the ground with a variety of agencies and with the Government of Sudan.
"Other governments who have been through similar experiences have been helpful to us, the British Government in particular has been very helpful and the French Government.
"We are very grateful to those governments for the advice they have given us, the help and support they have given our team on the ground."
PA