World IN BRIEF / KYRGYZSTAN : Leader Vows to Gain Hostages’ Freedom

Kyrgyz President Askar A. Akayev vowed to take all possible measures against guerrillas holding 16 hostages, including four Japanese geologists, in the remote south of his mountainous country. In a televised address, Akayev said Kyrgyzstan would do everything in its power to free those kidnapped. “I appeal to the public to remain calm, show a firm spirit and unity, which will be needed to repel the bandits,” he said. The guerrillas hiding in southern Kyrgyzstan released four hostages over the weekend. “A fourth hostage has been released, leaving 16 still being held overall,” said Kubanichbek Taabaldiyev, director of the state Kabar news agency. Kabar has set up a joint information center with the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry. “We also know from official sources that all four Japanese hostages are alive,” Taabaldiyev said. At the Defense Ministry, Esen Topoyev, previously secretary of the Security Council, was made defense minister by presidential decree. Col. Gen. Myrzakan Subanov was sacked from the post last week for failing to contain the crisis.