afrol News, 26 June - Niger's Tuareg rebels have released four French hostages abducted from uranium mine on Sunday to Red Cross yesterday.

The four expatriates working for French company Areva, were abducted by Niger Movement for Justice (MNJ) while they were traveling in the region of Arlit, northern Niger.

Red Cross confirmed the release but said it would take the four to the capital Niamey and hand them to authorities today.

Areva's Paris headquarters on Wednesday also confirmed that its four officials were handed over to Red Cross and that they were in good health.

The rebels had earlier this week issued a statement saying an abduction was meant to put pressure on Areva and French government to urge Niger to share more benefits from the country's mining industry with inhabitants of the mineral-rich northern region.

In recent months, northern Niger has seen a string of attacks by MNJ rebel group, which has forced Niger government to provide military protection for uranium mines and oil installations.

The initiated peace talks between Niger government and Tuareg rebels in northern Niger reached a stalemate when Niger government ruled out talks with the rebels unless they disarm.

Areva, which has sealed 40-year mining rights and price fixing partnership with Niger in January, remains the world's second largest uranium producer and largest private employer in Niger.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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