Minister Andrews greatly relieved at the release of Irish Priest in the Philippines

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, T.D., has issued the following statement in response to the news of the release of Monsignor Desmond Hartford.

"I am greatly relieved at the news of the safe release of Monsignor Desmond Hartford who had been held captive in the Philippines for the last fortnight. I share with his family and his colleagues in the Columban Fathers, with whom I have been in contact, the joy they must feel at this happy news from the Philippines."

Mr Andrews said that he had "asked our Ambassador in Beijing, who is accredited to the Philippines, to convey to President Ramos and his Government, my appreciation for their cooperation and assistance in securing Monsignor Hartford's freedom from captivity.

Msgr Hartford has my very best wishes as he recovers from the unfortunate experience he has been through."

Note for editors: Msgr Hartford has been held since 27 October by Members of the Moro National Liberation Front in Laneo del Norte, Mindanao. Minister Andrews met with the Ambassador of the Philippines to Ireland, Mr Jesus Tambunting, on Wednesday, 5 November, to express the Government's concern at the abduction of Msgr Hartford. Throughout the period of Msgr Hartford's captivity, Mr Andrews maintained contact with the Columban Fathers. Our EU partners were approached for assistance in securing his release. The Embassy in Beijing, which covers the Philippines, has kept in touch with the situation on the ground in Mindanao and with the Philippine Government in Manila, who were made aware of the Government's concerns and urged to obtain Msgr Hartford's safe release.Top