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We must be patient: Natwar Singh

By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG. 8. The External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, said tonight that India continued to encourage Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi, mediating on behalf of the hostage-takers in Iraq and the Kuwait Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL), to "stay engaged".

Mr. Singh's statement came after a "deal" between KGL and Mr. Al-Dulaimi ran into rough weather. Mr. Al-Dulaimi is said to have raised all kinds of new demands, including "compensation" of some $1 million for the Iraqi victims in Fallujah, in addition to an agreed ransom payment from KGL. The Sheikh also wants to set himself up as a negotiator between Iraq and Kuwait.

In a statement, Mr. Singh said the Government was sparing no effort to secure the safe return of the three Indian hostages in Iraq.

Time sought

"According to the latest reports we have, Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi and the KGL Company had finalised details of a settlement last evening. Sheikh Dulaimi wanted time to consult the hostage-takers and work out the modalities for the release of the hostages," he said.

"From a TV interview given a short while ago, we understand that Sheikh Dulaimi is still awaiting a response from the hostage-takers. This may take some time. We must be patient. We continue to encourage both Sheikh Dulaimi and the company to stay engaged and bring this ordeal for the hostages and their anxious families to an early and happy conclusion." Mr. Singh said he had also held a meeting with the Crisis Management Group headed by the Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahamed.

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