Freed UN electoral workers in Afghanistan look forward to resuming their work

Three United Nations election workers freed yesterday nearly a month after being abducted in Afghanistan today thanked the Afghan people for the support shown during their ordeal and said they were looking forward to getting back to work.

“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,” Shqipe Hebibi, Annetta Flanigan and Angelito Nayan declared in a statement issued in Kabul, the Afghan capital.

“We are humbled and very, very grateful for this,” the three – from Kosovo, Northern Ireland and the Philippines, respectively – added.

“During our many months of work here in Afghanistan we have learned to love Afghanistan, its people, its culture and traditions. 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,” they said.

The trio also expressed gratitude to the many people and institutions that worked together to secure their release.

“We are looking forward to joining our families and to returning to our work,” they concluded.