AMN /
Prime Minister Na
rendra Modi has sought the help of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in locating the 39 Indian citizens held hostage in Iraq and some others in Libya. Mr. Modi requested Mr. Abbas to share any information Palestine has on these hostages in Iraq and Libya.
The Palestinian President assured that officials of the two countries have been exchanging information regularly and as soon as there is any new information on this issue, it will be shared with India.
MEA spokesperson quoted the Palestinian President as saying that to his knowledge, these hostages are alive and Palestine will extend its help in locating these hostages and also in securing their release.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly. The discussion was focused mainly on possible methods which could be adopted to release Indians held hostage in Iraq and Libya, reportedly by notorious extremist group, Islamic State (IS)
“Indians who were held hostage in Iraq and Libya were discussed by Prime Minister with the President of Palestine,” said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs. Modi sought help of the Arab leader to rescue the abducted Indians.
Mahmoud Abbas responded in a optimist manner. “The President said that they think the hostages are alive and will update us as and when there is more information,” Swarup added.