Iraq hostage talks enter final stages

In what is being described as the final stages of negotiations, the Kuwaiti company employing the three Indian hostages and the Iraqi negotiator for the abductors spoke over telephone and are expected to have a crucial face-to-face meeting today.

According to the Indian embassy in Kuwait, the Kuwait and Gulf Transport Company (KGL) and Sheikh Hisham al-Dulaimi are expected to have face-to-face meeting today, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said after a meeting of the crisis management group yesterday.

"I am given to understand that they had contacts over telephone today," he said.

The direct meeting was earlier slated to take place yesterday, but there was no official word why it has been deferred by a day.

Asked about reports that Kuwait and Gulf Transport Company and Dulaimi have struck a deal and the hostages may be released on Saturday, he said "many reports are appearing. I can say something only after official confirmation. I do not have any authentic confirmation on this".

The crisis management group, which is headed by Ahamed, held extended rounds today to take stock of the situation with the hostage crisis entering the 15th day. Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh, all plying trucks for KGL, were abducted in Iraq on July 21.

Earlier, KGL had said negotiations to secure release of the hostages are "on right track" and the hostage crisis may end "very soon".

Official sources said "the process of obtaining the safe and early release of hostages is continuing".

Rana Abu-Zaineh, KGL spokesperson, said the negotiations were in "final stages" and the hostages are expected to be freed "very soon" by the Iraqi militant group Islamic Secret Army - holders of Black Banners'.

The militant group, which abducted the three Indians along with three Kenyans and an Egyptian on July 21, had demanded end of operations of KGL in Iraq and payment of compensation to victims of US attacks in Fallujah. KGL claimed that it has agreed to these demands.