Three UN workers held hostage for almost a month in Afghanistan said today they were humbled by the support they received during their ordeal and the thought of reunion with family and friends kept them going.
After embracing colleagues at the UN headquarters in Kabul today, Ms Annetta Flanigan from Northern Ireland read a joint statement on behalf of herself and fellow hostages, Ms Kosovan Shqipe Hebibi and Filipino diplomat Mr Angelito Nayan.
Ms Annetta Flanigan
"The awful experience we went through does not change our feelings for the Afghan people and the solidarity they have shown during the 27 days of our captivity just strengthens our commitment to support Afghanistan in its transition to peace and democracy."
Her voice at times breaking with emotion, Flanigan, a 43-year-old lawyer, said the trio had learned since their release yesterday of many statements of support from Afghans, including some who had offered to take their place as hostages.
"We are humbled and very, very grateful for this," she said.
UN hostages Annetta Flanigan of Northern Ireland, Philippine diplomat Angelito Nayan, and Kosovan Shqipe Hebibi
The three were abducted on October 28th after helping to run a presidential election won by the US-backed incumbent Hamid Karzai. They were threatened with death by a Taliban splinter faction, Jaish-e Muslimeen (Army of Muslims), that said it was holding them.
Officials said the three were abandoned in a Kabul park early yesterday, but insisted no deal was done with the kidnappers, who they described as "criminals" possibly hired by Jaish.
Earlier in the day, the three met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and appeared to be in good spirits.
Reporters were not allowed to ask questions but Nayan said he was well and grateful for the support he received from home.
"I am fine, I am fine," he said. "Thank you very much to all my countrymen and my government," he said, wearing a traditional Afghan chapan cloak apparently given to him by Mr Karzai.