ELECTION 99
US EDITION
COLUMNISTS
DIARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS
ARCHIVES

Search Rediff

UN expert cautions on hijackers's intent, lauds India's stance

Y Siva Sankar

British national Andrew Tesoriere, head of the Islamabad-based United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan, has said threats issued by hijackers should never be taken lightly.

Tesoriere is a counter-terrorism expert with working experience in handling hijack situations in Lebanon involving interactions with hijackers and hostages of different nationalities.

He spoke to rediff.com from Islamabad. Would the hijackers really kill the passengers if their demand is not met? "Yes. Much depends on their profile, psychology, personality and state of mind. When they feel that the situation is fast deteriorating, they could execute their threat. Many hijackers are wholly serious in their intent. Only a few are less determined or more amateur," Tesoriere said.

He said he is in touch with the Indian high commissionerate in Islamabad. "India is comfortable with the UN stance and assistance," he said. He complimented the Indian authorities for "doing their best to secure the release of the hostages on the right terms."

During the course of the telephone conversation, Tesoriere gave the impression that he is willing to be part of the peace-brokering UN team now in Kandahar. "I have to refrain from speculation. I have had no contact with (UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Programmes) Erick de Mul since he landed in Kandahar. They are reporting directly to New York. I am in an awkward position, we are not autonomous in the context of operations. One does not want to impose oneself on any issue. One has to adopt a professional view. I would say I am in a state of following events on the news channels and newspapers," he said.

Expressing regret that he could not speak at length on the ongoing hijack drama in Kandahar, he deplored the attitude of certain sections of the media. “I was reading newspapers this morning. I found mention of an alleged security agent of India. He was identified by name. That is a dangerous thing to do in an explosive situation," he said.

Asked if the Taleban has been in touch with him after the crisis erupted, he declined to answer. "We are here for the ongoing long-term, complicated process of restoring peace in Afghanistan. That is our focus area. We need to continue interacting with various sections like the people, Taleban, authorities and so on. To maintain the high level of confidence they have in us, we have to be careful in what we say. We would not like to say or do anything that might affect our credibility," he said.

EARLIER INTERVIEW:
UN's British expert on Afghanistan offers to resolve stalemate

NIGHTMARE ON FLIGHT 814
The complete coverage

Tell us what you think of this report