Georgia - Solution sought in hostage crisis

(25 Feb 1998) T/I: 10:54:49 Georgian president Eduard Shevardnadze on Wednesday (25/2) met opposition negotiators in an attempt to bring an end to a six day hostage saga. Around 20 gunmen seized a group of 4 UN military observers in the western town of Zugdidi on Thursday (19/2). The terrorists are supporters of former president Zviad Gamsakhurdia and are demanding the release of political supporters arrested after a February 9 assassination attempt on Shevardnadze. So far, negotiations have brought about the release of two hostages, but a further two - a Czech and a Uruguyan - remain in captivity. SHOWS: TBILISI, GEORGIA 25/02 WS negotiating table, Georgian President Shevardnadze and Burchuladze sitting opposite each other; ms room; cu Shevardnadze; cu Burchuladze; ws MEETING; JIKHASHKARI, WESTERN GEROGIA 25/02 WS house where hostages are held; cu UN truck; vs hostage takers with rifles; SOT Kulisek in English: "I think that there is some big problem now in this negotiation, situation. Because we want to speak to the chief of these troops Gocha Esueba, he is not available; hostage takers and Kulisek; Kulisek SOT (in English): "We have no contact with our people. We are awaiting another development in this situation." CU Georgian flag; 1.47 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...