UK help in Indian hostages release in Sierra Leone

LONDON, JUNE 16. Britain has expressed its readiness to assist India in getting release of 21 Indian peacekeepers now held hostage in Sierra Leone.

The British Defence Minister, Mr.Geoff Hoon, gave this assurance to his Indian counterpart, Mr. George Fernandes, here on Thursday during their wide-ranging discussions, including long-term defence cooperation in the context of India's security concerns.

While discussing the situation in Sierra Leone Mr. Hoon conveyed his Government's admiration for the efforts of the Indian troops there. ``There was particular concern about the safety of the Indian peacekeepers held hostage by the RUF rebels and Mr. Hoon conveyed Britain's readiness to assist in whatever manner possible,'' an Indian Defence Ministry statement said.

Specific areas of future cooperation were also raised and it was agreed that some of those would be taken forward during the next meeting of the Defence Consultative Group in August.

Mr. Hoon has also accepted an invitation from Mr. Fernandes, who is on a four-day official visit here, to visit India at an early opportunity.

Mr. Fernandes had a meeting with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Mr.Stephen Byers.

- PTI

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