The World - News from Jan. 18, 1989

A third group claimed it has kidnaped former Belgian Prime Minister Paul Vanden Boeynants, and one of them demanded about $790,000 for his return, saying most of the ransom must go to the poor. None of the groups offered proof of the weekend abduction of the 69-year-old conservative politician. The group demanding the ransom, the Revolutionary Socialist Brigade, called Vanden Boeynants “a corrupt person.” Also claiming responsibility was the terrorist Fighting Communist Cells, which said the ex-politician would be killed if four of its militants were not released from prison. The third claim, purportedly from the French terrorist group Direct Action, was made to a radio station.