Sanaa: Negotiations continue on release of Western hostages

Diplomatic and tribal sources in Sanaa announced that the Yemeni authorities are still negotiating with the kidnappers of six Westerners to win their release.

A diplomat at the Dutch embassy in Sanaa told AFP that, "Negotiations continue, and the hostages are in good health."

The six hostages, four Dutch and two British citizens are being held in Barat district, 180 km north of Sanaa by tribe members who ask for the release of prisoners from their tribe arrested by the Yemeni authorities.

According to well-informed sources, tribal sources said that Sheikh Naji al-Shayef, leader of Bakil tribes coalition, to which the tribe of the kidnappers belongs, on Wednesday dispatched delegates to take part in the negotiations with the kidnappers.

The tribal sources added that the authorities in Yemen pledged not to resort to force to release the hostages.