Group of diplomats has been established in Dubai Outside the glare of media, a tri-nation monitoring group of diplomats has been established in Dubai to brainstorm ways of rescuing sailors on board ships that Somali pirates have hijacked."We held our first meeting on Sunday in which Consul Generals of Yemen and the Philippines participated to monitor and consider ways to bring back the sailors of our respective countries, currently being held by the Somali pirates," said Sanjay Verma, Indian Consul-General.Mr. Verma hoped diplomats from Bangladesh, Tanzania and Pakistan would also join this group, as nationals from these countries were also aboard some of the hijacked ships.Somali pirates are holding 53 Indian sailors captive on board five ships: the MV Iceberg, the MV Suez, the MT Asphalt Venture, the MT Savina Caylyn and the MV Sinin.After the success in freeing the hijacked RAK Afrikana on Wednesday, the Dubai-based diplomats are now looking at ways to replicate that success. "During its deliberations, the group arrived at the conclusion that a media outcry when negotiations are under way usually encourages the hijackers to hike the ransom," said Mr. Verma.Negotiations are on with the pirates for the release of sailors on board the MV ...
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