An assurance to this effect was given by UNITA chief Jonas Swavimbi to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the sources said, quoting reports reaching here. Two officers and nine personnel of the Indian Army were taken hostage by the rebels 10 days ago and the OAU and the UN had been making efforts to secure their release, they said, adding none of the personnel was hurt.

Earlier, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the Government was keeping in close touch with the UN to ensure the safety of the soldiers.

Army Chief V P Malik reviewed the situation this morning with officials from the Ministries of Defence and External Affairs. India's emissaries in Angola and SA were informed when the soldiers were captured and asked to step up efforts about theirrelease.

The soldiers, who belonged to the mechanised infantry, had joined the UN peacekeeping operations in Angola in October.

The incident occurred at the UN peacekeeping sites of Andulo and Bailundo.