Central African rebels release hostages
BANGUI, Central African Republic – Several hostages, including a Polish priest, were released Wednesday after being held by rebels in Central African Republic, officials and rebels said.
Cameroon’s president said in a statement that special forces secured the release of 15 Cameroonians and the priest, Mateusz Dziedzic, who was kidnapped in October near the Cameroonian border.
But Lt. Leonard Kamdika of the rebels, known as the Democratic Front of the Central African People, said the hostages were let go as a gesture of goodwill in their efforts to win the freedom of their leader, who is jailed in Cameroon. He added that 10 Central Africans were also freed.
The group is ending its armed fight but will continue to press for their leader’s release, Kamdika said.
Saudi official rejects cutting oil output
VIENNA – Saudi Arabia’s oil minister is suggesting there is no need for OPEC to cut output despite a major fall in prices that has some other cartel members hurting.
Ali Naimi said Wednesday he expects the oil market to eventually “stabilize itself.” That suggests the Saudis, who effectively determine OPEC’s policy as its top producer, will not back any calls for reducing output by other nations at Thursday’s oil ministers’ meeting.
The global price of oil has fallen 32 percent since late June to $78 a barrel, from $115, amid booming shale production in the United States.
Associated Press
