MAI Mai tribal kidnappers holding at least 19 Thai nationals hostage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are just bandits seeking money, according to rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba. His comments contradicted remarks by Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai who said pm Tuesday the kidnappers’ motives were political and the hostages would be released within days. Bemba said his group had opened negotiations with the kidnappers two days ago, but gave no indication when the hostages might be released. – AFP