Straw welcomes release of British hostage

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has welcomed the release of three UN workers, including one Briton, who had been held hostage in Afghanistan for almost a month.

The hostages, which included Northern Ireland woman Annetta Flanigan, had been working with the UN Development Programme on the country's first ever presidential elections. They were in the capital Kabul when they were abducted on October 28. A group calling itself the Jaish-e-Muslimeen, 'Army of Muslims', subsequently claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.

The two other hostages released today were a Kosovan, Shiqpe Hebibi, and a Filipino, Angelito Nayan. It is as yet unclear how the trio came to be released. The Afghan government has claimed that no ransom was paid.

Jack Straw said today he was "pleased and relieved" for Mrs Flanigan's family.

He added: "Kidnapping, whoever the victims, is an appalling crime. In this case, the three victims had for several months been working, as part of the UN presence in Afghanistan, to ensure the success of the country's elections.

"They had no quarrel with any Afghan, only a desire to help the country's people build democracy.

"The determination of those committed to rebuilding Afghanistan remains as strong as ever."

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan also voiced his “delight” today, after telephoning all three hostages shortly after their release.

Mr Annan also phoned Afghan President Hamid Karzai to thank him for the "crucial role" his government played in securing the release of the three.

(gmcg/sp)