The Irish UN worker released by kidnappers in Afghanistan said she and her two colleagues were sustained through 27 days of captivity by thoughts of their family and friends.

Taliban-linked kidnappers of three UN election workers, including an Irish woman, claimed today that a deal could be close for their release.

A Kosovan woman among three UN workers kidnapped in Afghanistan has called home to say she is well and expects to be freed soon, a businessman seeking her release said today.

Militants threatening to kill three UN hostages - including Armagh woman Annetta Flanigan - said talks were to begin with Afghan and UN officials today, 10 days after the victims were abducted at gunpoint on a street in the capital.

THE second hostage drama involving an Irish citizen took a turn for the worse yesterday when the kidnap gang responsible issued a three-day deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan.