afrol News, 2 April - The three former mining miniters including former Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare have been released on bail after agreeing to repay the money embezzled in the sector, a government official has conformed.

The official said ministers Souare, Ousmane Sylla and Louceny Nabe were released this morning after agreeing to repay their alleged debts to the government.

Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, who seized power in December last year after the death of President Lansana Conte has begun a massive crackdown of corrupt officials connected to the late president in trying to boost the image of the country and that of the military government.

On Monday, a fourth ex-minister, Ahmed Kante, was arrested on the same charges, which were first publicised when the junta's audit committee used a television broadcast in March to accuse the former ministers of embezzling about US$5.3 million in total. However has was not released after officials accused him of being uncooperative.

Mr Souare has agreed to repay $2.5m, Mr Sylla has been asked to account for $2m which he has also agreed to repay and Mr Nabe has also been freed after agreeing to repay $1.2m, the government officials reported.

Mining is the main source of state revenue in Guinea, which has more than a third of the world's reserves of bauxite used to make aluminium. It also has large reserves of gold, diamonds, iron and nickel.

Earlier this week, the Guinean ruling military junta agreed to hold elections in late 2009 after persuasion by political parties and civil society groups.

Guinea remains suspended from both the African Union and the West African regional bloc Ecowas until the polls are held.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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