Iraq hostages: KGL stuck, plans ‘same line of action’

The hostage situation in Iraq continued to drag with Kuwait Gulf Link (KGL) denying reports that contact has been made with the kidnappers in Iraq. Negotiations broke down between KGL and the kidnappers two weeks ago, and there has been no communication since, either from the kidnappers, or their negotiator Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi. So much so, that KGL said today that it has not even been able to contact its own representatives in Iraq.

‘‘What you heard is no comment. We are keeping it low profile, and we intend to continue like this till it is solved,’’ KGL’s spokesperson Rana Abu-Zaineh told The Indian Express from Kuwait.

Back home, Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahamed, told reporters in Chennai on Wednesday that according to KGL information, the hostages were safe and well-looked after. However, it is still unclear how KGL has corroborated this information, considering the absence of contact with the abductors.

Kuwait’s visiting Foreign Minister, Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, said on Wednesday, ‘‘We are working closely with our friends in Kenya, India and Iraq and will not leave any stone unturned for the safe return of the Indians held captive in Iraq.’’