Egyptian hostage free 'soon' An Egyptian Embassy diplomat in Kuwait announced te release is expected soon of one Egyptian, and six others being held hostage in Iraq. The diplomat said the Kuwaiti employer of seven victims had "given in" to their demands. The company had agreed to end activities in Iraq, the diplomat said. Negotiations with the kidnappers are continuing. The retum of the hostages is expected soon including the Egyptian Mohammad Ali Sanad. he said.