Authorities Talk with Kidnappers

(Tbilisi, June 10 2003, Civil Georgia) – Georgian authorities say they know abducted UN observers? whereabouts and hold talks with the hostage-takers to secure UN personnel?s safe release.

According to the unofficial reports the hostage-takers demanded USD 3 millions for the release of the hostages.

Georgian Special Forces hold kidnappers? alleged hideout under siege in Kodori since June 9.

Neither the UN Observers Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG), nor the Georgian government agrees to pay the ransom.

President Shevardnadze confirmed on June 9 ?the government is ready to talk with the captors in order to ensure hostages? safe release.?

Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council Jemal Gakhokidze confirmed on June 9, that the captors are getting in touch with the authorities from time to time, however he refrained from giving more detailed information. The UN Observer Mission?s Tbilisi Office also rejects to make any comment.

The law enforcers are on high alert since June 5 after the abduction of the UN observers – Klaus Ott, Herbert Bauer of Germany, Henrik Soerensen of Denmark and their Georgian interpreter Lasha Chikashua, while monitoring the upper Kodori gorge, which is the only part of breakaway Abkhazia under the Georgian authorities? control.

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