New Delhi: Indicating that they had not closed door for talks, abductors of the seven hostages in Iraq including three Indians today (Aug 3, 2004) said that Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi can continue to negotiate on their behalf with the Kuwaiti company KGL, as the crisis entered the 14th day.

On Sunday (Aug 1, 2004), Dulaimi, the abductors' negotiator with KGL, the employer of the captives, had announced that he was pulling out of the negotiations as he could not arrive at any agreement with the transport company.

"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 (CMG) headed by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed.

It said the Indian Embassy in Baghdad had issued a press release last night (Aug 2, 2004) welcoming the discussions that have been underway between Dulaimi, who is Chairman of the National League of Iraqi Tribes Members, and representatives of KGL 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.