KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Three U.N. election workers freed nearly a month after being abducted in Afghanistan thanked the nation's people for the support shown during their ordeal.
They issued a statement in Kabul Wednesday, a day after their release.
"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," said Shqipe Hebibi of Kosovo, Annetta Flanigan of Northern Ireland and Angelito Nayan of the Philippines. "We are humbled and very, very grateful for this."
They 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."
The trio concluded, "We are looking forward to joining our families and to returning to our work."
