India says concerned by the fate of two abducted oil workers in Sudan
October 31, 2008 (NEW DELHI) – Indian foreign minister voiced concern over the fate of two Indian oil workers abducted in Sudan since five months.
The Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee , met on Thursday the visiting Sudanese finance minister Awad Al-Jaz who is in the country to seek the support of New Delhi for the suspension of the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction on Darfur crimes.
On May 13, four Indians oil worker had been kidnapped while returning from Neem oil field to Heglig, in South Kordofan. Since, one Indian was released and another escaped. Members of the Messeria tribe were behind the abduction.
The Indians, all men in their 30s, work for Petro Energy Contracting Services, which provides technical services to the oil industry. The company employs 75 Indians in Sudan.
With regard to the ICC indictment of the Sudanese President, the foreign minister told Al-Jaz that India is neither a signatory to nor has it ratified the instrument establishing the said body.
“India hopes that any action that might detract from ongoing efforts to reach an early resolution of conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan and aimed also at promoting the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, may have undesirable consequences” the minister said.
India is involved in the oil industry in Sudan and implements several development projects in the east African country.
In an interview with an Indian news service (IANS) Al-Jaz also said “Darfur is returning to peace and stability.” He further invited the Indians to visit the country and to verify by themselves the situation in the troubled part of Sudan.
“Darfurians are looking for development, water, school and infrastructure. That’s the area we are focusing on. This is also where friendly countries like India can help,” he said.
(ST)