Al Nuaimi family remains optimistic

Fujairah/Abu Dhabi: Residents, both UAE nationals and expatriates, are offering words of solace to the family of UAE diplomat Naji Al Nuaimi who was kidnapped in Iraq.

Expressions of solidarity have come from all corners of the country, with residents saying they are praying for his freedom. GCC interior ministers reaffirmed their rejection of all forms of terrorism, and condemned the abduction.

The family of Al Nuaimi says they're optimistic about his release. As time goes by without any developments in the situation, the family says they are confident the UAE government and its Iraqi counterpart are doing all they can to secure the release of 28-year-old Al Nuaimi.

On Monday, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, thanked the Iraqi government for its efforts to resolve the stand-off.

He told a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier: "I would like to thank all political spectrums, parties and the entire Iraqi people for the feelings they've expressed towards the UAE government and Naji's family."

Al Nuaimi's family was relieved at Shaikh Abdullah's remarks. They expressed their confidence in the strenuous efforts being made by the political leadership to secure his safe release.

Mohammad, Al Nuaimi's brother, said that Shaikh Abdullah's remarks inspired the family that the crisis would, God willing, be over soon "since Shaikh Abdullah assured us and the people of the entire country the government will spare no effort to free Naji."

The Al Nuaimi family says throughout the ordeal government officials have kept them informed about the goings-on behind the scenes, which they said makes the wait a less traumatic experience.

Al Nuaimi was kidnapped on May 16 while driving from the UAE embassy in Baghdad to visit a colleague.