New Delhi: Pulling out of the talks to free three Indian hostages in Iraq, the captives' employer KGL (Kuwaiti Gulf Link) today (Aug 9, 2004) said it was willing to negotiate with the abductors if the latter deputed a new representative or engaged directly.

KGL spokesperson Rana Abu-Zaineh ruled out resuming talks with Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi, who was negotiating on behalf of the abductors, accusing him of "playing games" and "not being serious to ensure freedom of the hostages". "We are willing to hold negotiations for release of the hostages. It is our sincere intention to see the captives lives are saved and they are free," Zaineh told over phone from Kuwait.

She, however, underlined that after experience with Dulaimi, KGL wanted the abductors to "talk to us directly or depute someone else".

She said that this message should have reached the abductors and "We are awaiting a response".