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Govt waiting for hijackers to list demands

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

After two round of talks, the negotiations between the Indian team and the hijackers of Flight 814 have hit a stalemate, with the government contending that it is still waiting for the desperados to spell out their demands.

"The relief and negotiating team is in Kandahar since 1820 IST yesterday and our negotiators have had two round of talks. We are waiting for them to spell out their demands," External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh told a crowded press conference this afternoon. The media conference was held after two postponements.

The minister said food, water and blankets had been provided to the passengers who were also getting ventilation with the doors of the aircraft being opened. However, since its auxiliary power unit had developed a snag, the electricity had been switched off since 0930 this morning.

The 7-member Indian team led by Joint Secretary Vivek Katju was briefly given access to the hostages, Singh, the only Cabinet minister empowered to brief the media, said.

He did not specify what kind of access the negotiators had been granted by the hijackers.

The minister did not elaborate on the condition of the hostages or anything else concerning the negotiations.

"The seriousness and delicacy of the situation prevent me from expanding on this, but the talks are on," he said, adding that the Taleban regime had co-operated with the Indian government.

NIGHTMARE ON FLIGHT 814
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