S P O T L I G H T

Hostage issue: PM talks to Obasanjo
NEW DELHI, June 11 (UNI) — Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today telephoned the Nigerian President, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, and sought his help in securing the release of the 21 Indian soldiers of the UN peacekeeping force who are held hostage in the neighbouring Sierra Leone. Mr Vajpayee wanted the Nigerian President to use his influence in the region to facilitate the release of the Indian peacekeepers from the captivity of Sierra Leone rebels at Pendembu. Gen Obasanjo promised to get in touch with other leaders in the region on this issue. Mr Vajpayee was assured of every effort to ensure that the Indian hostages are set free.