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Irish FM presses Sudan over abducted aid workers

  • Story Highlights
  • Sharon Commins of Ireland is abducted along with another aid worker, Hilda Kawuki
  • Ireland's FM meets top Sudanese officials to press them over the kidnapping
  • Both women work for the Irish charity Goal
  • Goal has worked in Darfur for 23 years
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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Ireland's foreign minister met top Sudanese officials Tuesday to press them over the kidnapping of an Irish aid worker in the African nation, the Irish Foreign Ministry said.

Micheal Martin "had very useful meetings with senior officials and representatives of the Sudanese government during which he impressed upon them how seriously the Irish government is taking the resolution of this case," the ministry said.

Sharon Commins of Ireland was kidnapped along with another aid worker, Hilda Kawuki, more than two months ago, according to press reports.

Both work for the Irish charity Goal, which welcomed the foreign minister's involvement.

Goal's CEO, John O'Shea, also addressed the kidnappers directly.

"We would make this plea to the kidnappers -- Hilda and Sharon have given much to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people. They want only to be allowed to continue their lifesaving work. We ask you to immediately release them to the bosom of their families, who are suffering intolerably as a result of this ordeal," he said in a written statement.

"Just by going to the region, Minister Martin has clearly indicated the concern and seriousness with which the Irish government and the Irish people are taking the kidnapping of our colleagues," O'Shea said.

Goal has worked in Darfur for 23 years, the group said in the statement.

"We are anxious to continue to play a role in helping these hapless and vulnerable people. However, the kidnapping of Hilda and Sharon may influence our decision regarding the organization's future in this troubled province," it said.

CNN's Carol Jordan in London contributed to this report

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