Dermot Ahern welcomes release of hostages

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has welcomed the release of three United Nations hostages being held in Afghanistan.

The trio, including Co Armagh woman Annetta Flanigan, were freed this morning after four weeks in captivity.

All are said to be in good health.

The family of Annetta Flanigan said they are absolutely overjoyed at her release and have thanked those who helped her to freedom.

Minister Dermot Ahern said he too is delighted at the good news, but that he also remembers with sadness the fate of other hostages who were murdered.

The Minister said the families of Margaret Hassan and Kenneth Bigley "remain in our prayers at this time".