KIDNAPPED SALESIANS FREED
ANS service
BRAZZAVILLEA (Congo): 3rd Feb -- The Salesian
priest Francesc Balauder (Spanish) and Pierre Morteau (French), kidnapped for
four days by rebels, have returned to the parish of St. Charles Lwanga in the
Salesian mission at Brazzaville. Notice of their disappearance had been
given by the Nunciature on 30th January. The rebel troups, located close
by the parish, had kidnapped the two Salesians and two other lay people.
On 1st February, the two missionaries sent news of their liberation to the
French embassy at 7.00 p.m. local time. There is no other news about their
circumstances other than their safe return to the parish. Spokesman
authorized by the embassy have given assurances that sonme of the diplomatic
personnel will endeavour to find out the actual state of the two Salesians and
the details of their kidnapping, and that they would be invited to relocate to a
more secure spot.
