DATE=10/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=YEMEN HOSTAGES RELEASED (L)
NUMBER=2-255564
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Kidnappers in Yemen have released three
American hostages after negotiations with the Yemeni
government. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from our
Middle East Bureau in Cairo that officials say the
former hostages were not harmed during their three-day
ordeal.
TEXT: Yemeni authorities say the hostages were
released to senior military officials (early Thursday)
after intense negotiations. They say security forces
continue to surround the kidnappers' hideout, in the
mountains of Marib Province east of Sana'a, and are
trying to persuade them to give themselves up.
A spokesman for the U-S Embassy in Yemen said the
hostages were not harmed and were returning to the
capital.
The kidnappers seized an employee of the American
Institute for Yemeni Studies and her parents late
Tuesday. The kidnappers reportedly were seeking the
release of comrades imprisoned for an attack three-
months ago on an oil pipeline in the region.
Disgruntled Yemeni's from neglected, rural parts of
the country frequently attack public installations or
seize foreigners to seek redress for grievances
against the government. The hostages usually are
released unharmed. But an incident last December, in
which Islamic militants seized 16 foreign tourists,
ended violently with the death of four tourists and
several kidnappers when security forces stormed the
hideout.
The Yemeni government executed one of the leaders of
the militant group 10-days ago, leading the militants
to warn foreigners to stay out of the country or face
retaliation. Seven other members of the group went on
trial Wednesday.
The Yemeni government has announced it is setting up a
special court and prosecution department to handle
cases of kidnapping and sabotage. It is part of an
effort to bring back tourism, which has fallen
significantly since last December's attack. (SIGNED)
NEB/SB/GE/LTD/RAE
28-Oct-1999 08:16 AM EDT (28-Oct-1999 1216 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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