AFGHANISTAN: The Government has thanked the UN for its efforts to help the Co Armagh aid worker, Ms Annetta Flanigan, who has been released with two of her colleagues by kidnappers in Afghanistan reports Arthur Beesley, Political Reporter
As news of the release was welcomed yesterday, the Taoiseach told the Dáil there had been "no formal confirmation" that a woman murdered last week in Iraq was the Dublin-born hostage, Ms Margaret Hassan.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern, praised the Afghan government for its "patient and tireless efforts" on behalf of Ms Flanigan and said all Irish people shared his sense of relief that she had been released.
"This has been a very difficult time for Annetta's husband José and her family in Armagh, who have endured enormous distress while waiting for news of her release."
The release of the hostages was welcomed by Labour's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Michael D. Higgins.
"This is a relief to Ms Flanigan's family and to her colleagues in the UN and the international community of aid workers. I am absolutely delighted that the talks came to a fruitful outcome."
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said Ms Flanigan's family must be overjoyed. "The release shows that some hope and humanity have been salvaged from the recent crises." The Green leader, Mr Trevor Sargent, said news of Ms Flanigan's release was "particularly good" following the death of Ms Hassan. "Tragically the innocent, and in this case the humanitarian workers, are as vulnerable as combatants."
The Sinn Féin TD, Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, also welcomed Ms Flanigan's release and said that UN and other humanitarian workers must be allowed to continue their work "unhindered by anybody".