MFA says Singaporean among hostages in Mumbai
By 938 LIVE | Posted: 27 November 2008 1053 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) says they are working closely with the Indian authorities to secure the safe release of a Singapore woman held hostage at the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai.
It is believed she is one of 20 foreigners taken hostage and is unharmed.
In a news conference, a spokesman says they are flying up the family members to Mumbai and rendering to them all necessary assistance.
"We will definitely look at all the scenarios and make an educated decision on whether there is a need for us to send a crisis negotiating team to Mumbai," said the director of consular directorate at MFA, Jai Sohan Singh.
"We have actually made the offer of assistance to the Indian government, if necessary. We have not received any request at this point in time."
An MFA spokesman says as of 3.15pm Thursday, there are no information pertaining to any Singaporean being injured in Mumbai.
According to reports, at least two foreign nationals from Japan and Australia have been confirmed killed, and 11 others wounded in coordinated militant attacks in Mumbai.
MFA says Singapore strongly condemns the attacks and conveys its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the government of India and its people.
It says the Mumbai attacks underscore the common terrorist threat that we continue to face today.
Singapore stands firmly behind the Indian government in its fight against terrorism.
MFA and the Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai are closely monitoring the situation in Mumbai.
Should Singaporeans require assistance, they can contact the Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai or the MFA Duty Officer at 6379 8800 or 6379 8855.
When in Mumbai, MFA advises Singaporeans to take the necessary precautions for their personal safety.
During this period, Singaporeans are advised to monitor the local news diligently and be prepared to face inconveniences in their travel.
If Singaporeans do not have a pressing need to travel to Mumbai, they are advised to postpone the travel to a later date.
Singaporeans intending to travel to India should closely monitor news developments there.
Should they decide to travel, they are advised to register with the Ministry at www.mfa.gov.sg.
This will enable the Ministry and the Consulate-General in Mumbai to contact Singaporeans and render them the necessary consular assistance in case of emergencies.
It also encourages all Singaporeans travelling abroad to purchase comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
- 938 LIVE/CNA/yt/ls
By 938 LIVE | Posted: 27 November 2008 1053 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) says they are working closely with the Indian authorities to secure the safe release of a Singapore woman held hostage at the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai.
It is believed she is one of 20 foreigners taken hostage and is unharmed.
In a news conference, a spokesman says they are flying up the family members to Mumbai and rendering to them all necessary assistance.
"We will definitely look at all the scenarios and make an educated decision on whether there is a need for us to send a crisis negotiating team to Mumbai," said the director of consular directorate at MFA, Jai Sohan Singh.
"We have actually made the offer of assistance to the Indian government, if necessary. We have not received any request at this point in time."
An MFA spokesman says as of 3.15pm Thursday, there are no information pertaining to any Singaporean being injured in Mumbai.
According to reports, at least two foreign nationals from Japan and Australia have been confirmed killed, and 11 others wounded in coordinated militant attacks in Mumbai.
MFA says Singapore strongly condemns the attacks and conveys its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the government of India and its people.
It says the Mumbai attacks underscore the common terrorist threat that we continue to face today.
Singapore stands firmly behind the Indian government in its fight against terrorism.
MFA and the Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai are closely monitoring the situation in Mumbai.
Should Singaporeans require assistance, they can contact the Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai or the MFA Duty Officer at 6379 8800 or 6379 8855.
When in Mumbai, MFA advises Singaporeans to take the necessary precautions for their personal safety.
During this period, Singaporeans are advised to monitor the local news diligently and be prepared to face inconveniences in their travel.
If Singaporeans do not have a pressing need to travel to Mumbai, they are advised to postpone the travel to a later date.
Singaporeans intending to travel to India should closely monitor news developments there.
Should they decide to travel, they are advised to register with the Ministry at www.mfa.gov.sg.
This will enable the Ministry and the Consulate-General in Mumbai to contact Singaporeans and render them the necessary consular assistance in case of emergencies.
It also encourages all Singaporeans travelling abroad to purchase comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
- 938 LIVE/CNA/yt/ls
