ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/12/2002 14:02:04
America's FBI may investigate Papuan murders
Indonesia has agreed to let agents from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation join an
investigation into an ambush near the giant Freeport mine in Papua Province.
Gunmen ambushed buses carrying personnel from an international school near the
US owned mine last August killing, two Americans, an Indonesian and injuring about
12 other people.
Indonesia's security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been quoted by the
Jakarta Post as saying that the agents will take part in an inquiry team led by
Indonesian police.
America's President George W. Bush has reportedly called for a Bali-style joint
investigation into the incident in a recent message to President Megawati
Sukarnoputri.
Indonesian police have been praised for their investigation, conducted with the
Australian Federal Police and other overseas forces, into the October 12 Bali bombing
that killed at least 190 people.
The solving of the Freeport case is seen as crucial before any US move to establish
closer ties with the Indonesian military as part of the war on terror.
Police in Papua allege that Indonesian troops are suspected of being behind the
ambush.
24/12/2002 14:02:04 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
