0103101 Amsterdam Farmers Take Meat Inspectors Hostage

Amsterdam - Angry farmers briefly took three workers of the Meat and Animal Inspection Service (RVV) hostage on Friday, the Agriculture Ministry said.

A spokesman said the three employees were held hostage for a few hours by farmers from the village of Kootwijkerbroek, where a case of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed on Thursday.

The situation was now over, the spokesman said, but could give no further details.

The mayor of Kootwijkerbroek is due to hold a news conference later on Friday.

RETURN TO HOME PAGE

E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com