British journalist arrives safely in Pakistan

British journalist Yvonne Ridley tonight spoke of her delight at being freed by her Taliban captors - and her desperation to …

British journalist Yvonne Ridley tonight spoke of her delight at being freed by her Taliban captors - and her desperation to get home to see her daughter Daisy.

After crossing the border into Pakistan, the 43-year-old Sunday Express reporter told reporters: "I'm fine, it's good to be here. They (the Taliban) treated me with respect and courtesy."

And in a statement released by Express Newspapers the mother-of-one said: "Obviously I am delighted to be free after 10 days under arrest.

Journalist Yvonne Ridley, said to be in Pakistan

"I would like to thank all those who have worked for my release, including the Foreign Office, the Pakistan government and of course my company Express Newspapers.

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"I am now desperate to get home to see my daughter Daisy."

TV pictures showed Ms Ridley apparently in good health and good spirits as she climbed from a car.

It was the first sighting of her since her arrest by Taliban authorities on September 28th after she crossed into Afghanistan to report on the crisis.

British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair told the House of Commons that Ms Ridley had been released and handed over to Pakistani officials.

And Foreign Secretary Mr Jack Straw said: "I am delighted that Yvonne Ridley has been released from custody in Afghanistan, and can now be reunited with her family.

"I know what a great relief this must be for them, especially at such a difficult and uncertain time.

"I am sure that Yvonne's many friends and journalist colleagues in the UK and all around the world will welcome this news as much as I do."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "Our High Commission in Islamabad have confirmed that Yvonne Ridley is at the office of senior Pakistani officials in Peshawar.

PA