Abductors want Dulaimi to continue negotiations

With the hostage crisis entering the 14th day, abductors of the seven hostages, including three Indians, in Iraq on Tuesday indicated that they had not closed door for talks.

They said Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi could continue to negotiate on their behalf with Kuwait and Gulf Link transport company, which is the employer of the hostages.

On August 1, Dulaimi had announced that he was pulling out of the negotiations because he could not arrive at any agreement with KGL.

"Our current information is that the hostage takers have reconfirmed that Dulaimi can continue to negotiate with KGL company on their behalf," the external affairs ministry said after a meeting of the Crisis Management Group headed by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed.

Also Read Dulaimi pulls out; negotiations suffer setback

The Indian embassy in Baghdad had issued a press release on Monday night welcoming the discussions that have been underway between Dulaimi, who is chairman of the National League of Iraqi Tribes Members, and KGL representatives to resolve the hostage crisis. Appreciation was expressed towards the efforts made by both, on humanitarian considerations, in pursuing negotiations.

A fresh appeal was made for the earliest possible release of the hostages to enable them to rejoin their anxious families in India.