REACTION:THE RELEASE of two Goal aid workers kidnapped more than three months ago in Darfur was met with joy and not a little relief from the Government and aid agencies working in the region.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, who travelled to Sudan last month as negotiations to secure the women’s release continued, said he was “personally delighted and extremely relieved” at the news.
“I want to pay a personal tribute to the two women who have undergone such a difficult ordeal. Their personal courage and resilience has helped them through what must have been a traumatic experience,” Mr Martin said.
He also praised the Commins family for behaving with “dignity and fortitude”.
Mr Martin also paid tribute to the efforts of the Sudanese government in securing the women’s safe return to their families, adding that the Irish Government was particularly indebted to Sudan’s minister for humanitarian affairs Abdul Bagi al-Jailani.
Goal chief executive John O’Shea described how he and his colleagues felt “overwhelming relief and joy” at the news.
“Sharon and Hilda have suffered a traumatic ordeal, but happily both have had the strength and courage to come through it,” Mr O’Shea said. “I want to express my profound thanks on behalf of all in Goal to the Irish Government and to the Sudanese authorities for the pivotal role they played in securing the release. I also want to express my thanks to the Irish people for the prodigious support which they have provided in recent months.”
Taoiseach Brian Cowen spoke of his joy, and noted “the patient approach” had proven to be the right one.
President Mary McAleese said the ordeal served as a reminder of the commitment made by all aid workers as they carry out their “noble work” worldwide.
“This is wonderful news for these women and their families. We can only begin to imagine what they have been through during,” Mrs McAleese said.