New Delhi: Hopes were raised late last night (Aug 7, 2004) about the release of three Indian hostages in Iraq with Government saying that the way has "reportedly" been cleared for the purpose after direct talks between the abductors' negotiator and senior representatives of the KGL company, the employer of the hostages.

"All indications" at this juncture point to a positive outcome to the crisis, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed told reporters in New Delhi. "What we have learnt so far is that face-to-face negotiations have taken place between Sheikh al-Dulaimi (the negotiator for the abductors) and senior representatives of the KGL company today as a result of which the way has reportedly been cleared for the release of the hostages," he said.

Indicating that the hostages Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh may be handed over tomorrow (Aug 8, 2004), Ahamed said, "You (media) have waited for 17 days, please wait for a day."

Striking a note of caution, he said, "It must be appreciated that unless we have authoritative and clear confirmation that the hostages have been released, we must wait with patience and with hope."

He said, "What I can confirm, however is that all indications at this juncture point to a positive outcome to the crisis. We will keep you informed about any fresh developments."