Coup Leaders Release Top Officials After Talks
Coup leaders in the West African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe released senior government officials, paving the way for an end to the bloodless military takeover.
After 10 hours of negotiations with international mediators who jetted in over the weekend, the junta announced that it would free about half a dozen officials held at army barracks since Wednesday’s coup.
Bleary-eyed officials, including Oil Minister Rafael Branco, hugged each other at the end of their five-day ordeal and shook hands with the mediators.
Diplomats said the release set the stage for return of President Fradique de Menezes, in Nigeria when soldiers took over.
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