By Prensa Latina,
Conakry : Guinea President Lansana Conte asked Defence Minister Bailo Dialloáto try and settle a mutiny of young officers to collect overdue salary.
Authorities are trying to negotiate with the soldiers, whose public demonstrations have included shooting in the air in Conakry and taking one high-ranking officer hostage.
The protests began Tuesday as rumors spread that the government will not honor their payment.
Soldiers from Alpha Yaya Diallo, one of the largest military barracks in Guinea, started to shoot in the air and the revolt spread to Camp Boiro, seat of the National Guard.
The witnesses also heard shoots at Camp Samory, a top national base where President Lansana Conte headed off a previous similar crisis, while a cabinet mission went there to negotiate.
Suspense prevails in Guinea since the President ousted Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate last week.