Nairobi  - The United Nations' Special Representative for Somalia Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah Friday called for the release of all hostages being held in Somali as a show of good faith during a Muslim holiday.

"On the eve of Eid al-Adha, a period of forgiveness, I appeal to all Somalis to help to ensure that those hostages being held, both Somalis and foreigners, are allowed to enjoy their freedom and to return home safe and sound," Ould-Abdallah said in statement.

Journalists and foreign aid workers have increasingly become targets for kidnap and murder this year, mainly in south and central Somalia where Islamist insurgents are waging a bloody conflict against the government.

Four foreign journalists and two Italian Catholic nuns are amongst those being held.

Ould-Abdallah said he was particularly concerned for the two nuns, who were kidnapped in neighbouring Kenya in November and taken across the border.

"In particular I appeal for the release of the two Catholic nuns who were abducted last month from a town on the border between Kenya and Somalia," Ould-Abdallah said. "They should be allowed to return home immediately and I do not see any excuse for holding them for any longer." (dpa)