New Delhi, Aug. 7 (PTI): The Centre tonight said the way has “reportedly” been cleared for the release of three Indian hostages in Iraq and “all indications” at this juncture point to a positive outcome to the crisis.

“What we have learnt so far is that face-to-face negotiations have taken place between Sheikh Hashim al-Dulami (who is negotiating with the abductors) and senior representatives of the KGL company (the employer of the Indians) today, as a result of which the way has reportedly been cleared for the release of the hostages,” minister of state for external affairs E. Ahmed said tonight.

Ahmed indicated that the hostages — Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdev Singh — may be handed over tomorrow. “You have waited for 17 days, please wait for a day. What I can confirm, however, is that all indications at this juncture point to a positive outcome to the crisis,” said the minister.