23 November 2004

Opening remarks at a press conference today at 10:00 A.M.

Thank you for coming here today. We'd like to make a brief statement after which we will take questions from the media.

We're pleased to announce that the three UN workers taken hostage 27 days ago have been released safely and are in a secure location. We want to first commend the three hostages, Annette Flannigan, Shqipe Hebibi and Angelito Nayan, for the courage they displayed during their ordeal.

Results from a preliminary medical examination show that they appear to be in good health - and that is all the information we have about their current health at this time. We will provide more detail about their health when it becomes available.

We also want to thank many people for their actions during this
difficult period. We want to thank the Afghan people for their vocal
rejection of the hostage-taking, the many different groups who have helped the Afghan Government during the sensitive discussions with the hostage-takers, and the media for their excellent coverage of the entire affair.

We also want to state firmly that we will continue to search for the
criminal elements that conducted this kidnapping. Their actions do not reflect the true nature of the Afghan people and run counter the precepts of Islam. This episode must not be repeated, and will never be tolerated.

The three UN workers came to help the Afghan people build a more secure and peaceful future - and as such, they are welcomed guests of our nation. This was an isolated and unfortunate incident and we hope this will not discourage the resolve of the international community to continue their work to assist the Afghan people in their pursuit of lasting peace and security in our nation.

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