Abducted Dutch children may soon come home

Foreign Minister Ben Bot is optimistic about the swift return to the Netherlands of two children who were abducted by their Syrian father after a judge awarded custody of the children to their Dutch mother.

In June, the two fled to the Dutch embassy in Damascus and have been staying there ever since. Protracted discussions have taken place between Dutch and Syrian officials since then.

Mr Bot said that Syrian President Bashir al-Assad is now convinced that the issue should be resolved as soon as possible.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 13 December 2006