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24/11/2004
Former NI Afghan hostage expresses delight at being freed
Former Afghan hostage Annetta Flanigan has spoken today for the first time since her release on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland-born UN worker read out a statement from her, Angelito Nayan and Shqipe Habibi, giving thanks for all the support they received.
"It is a wonderful feeling that we have been sharing with our families, friends and colleagues in Kabul," the Richhill woman said.
"Since we were released we have learned of the many statements of support and expressions of solidarity by Afghan personalities and ordinary men and women, some of whom even offered to take our place as hostages. We are humbled and very, very grateful for this."
"Finally, we have a word to our families, friends and colleagues. The hope of getting back together with them kept us going. We thank them for their love, their prayers and their friendship," she said.
The exact circumstance of Ms Flanigan’s release and that of her two colleagues, Kosovan Shqipe Habibi and Filipino diplomat Angelito Nayan, is unclear but a spokesperson for the Afghan government have denied any deal was done with the kidnappers.
The three UN workers were kidnapped on 28 October when a group of armed men, believed to have been the Army of Muslims, stopped their vehicle, pulled them out and then drove them away at high speed.
A video was later released from the group showing the hostages slumped against a wall demanding the release of 26 prisoners in return for their lives.
(MB/GMCG)
The Northern Ireland-born UN worker read out a statement from her, Angelito Nayan and Shqipe Habibi, giving thanks for all the support they received.
"It is a wonderful feeling that we have been sharing with our families, friends and colleagues in Kabul," the Richhill woman said.
"Since we were released we have learned of the many statements of support and expressions of solidarity by Afghan personalities and ordinary men and women, some of whom even offered to take our place as hostages. We are humbled and very, very grateful for this."
"Finally, we have a word to our families, friends and colleagues. The hope of getting back together with them kept us going. We thank them for their love, their prayers and their friendship," she said.
The exact circumstance of Ms Flanigan’s release and that of her two colleagues, Kosovan Shqipe Habibi and Filipino diplomat Angelito Nayan, is unclear but a spokesperson for the Afghan government have denied any deal was done with the kidnappers.
The three UN workers were kidnapped on 28 October when a group of armed men, believed to have been the Army of Muslims, stopped their vehicle, pulled them out and then drove them away at high speed.
A video was later released from the group showing the hostages slumped against a wall demanding the release of 26 prisoners in return for their lives.
(MB/GMCG)
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NI hostage shown on video
The UN relief worker from Northern Ireland, who is one of three UN staff recently taken hostage in Kabul, has appeared in a video released by a group called the Army of Muslims. The three - Annetta Flanigan, from Co Armagh, Shqipe Hebibi, from Kosovo, and Angelito Nayan, from the Philippines – were abducted on October 28.
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The UN relief worker from Northern Ireland, who is one of three UN staff recently taken hostage in Kabul, has appeared in a video released by a group called the Army of Muslims. The three - Annetta Flanigan, from Co Armagh, Shqipe Hebibi, from Kosovo, and Angelito Nayan, from the Philippines – were abducted on October 28.
23 November 2004
Relief as NI Afghan hostage freed unharmed
The family of Northern Ireland born UN worker Annetta Flanigan have expressed their relief as she was freed today unharmed following her month-long hostage ordeal in Afghanistan.
Relief as NI Afghan hostage freed unharmed
The family of Northern Ireland born UN worker Annetta Flanigan have expressed their relief as she was freed today unharmed following her month-long hostage ordeal in Afghanistan.
06 December 2004
Former Afghan captive returns home to NI
Former Afghan captive Annetta Flanigan has arrived back in Northern Ireland. The Co Armagh woman, who is originally from Richhill, arrived at Belfast City Airport on Sunday but left by a side entrance to evade waiting journalists.
Former Afghan captive returns home to NI
Former Afghan captive Annetta Flanigan has arrived back in Northern Ireland. The Co Armagh woman, who is originally from Richhill, arrived at Belfast City Airport on Sunday but left by a side entrance to evade waiting journalists.
29 November 2004
Flanigan to return home after short holiday
The UN worker from County Armagh, Annetta Flanigan, who was held captive for 27 days in Afghanistan is expected to return home after a short holiday. Ms Flanigan is reported to have left the Afghan capital at the weekend for a break with her husband Jose, before going on to visit family and friends in Richhill, County Armagh.
Flanigan to return home after short holiday
The UN worker from County Armagh, Annetta Flanigan, who was held captive for 27 days in Afghanistan is expected to return home after a short holiday. Ms Flanigan is reported to have left the Afghan capital at the weekend for a break with her husband Jose, before going on to visit family and friends in Richhill, County Armagh.
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