LAKSAMANA.Net, October 23, 2003 01:52 AM
Justice Demanded For Victims of Freeport
October 23, 2003 01:52 AM, Walhi
Laksamana.Net - The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) and other
non-government organizations on Wednesday (22/10/03) demanded an investigation
into the "real crimes and thousands of victims at the Freeport-Rio Tinto" gold mine in
Papua province.
Freeport, long accused of environmental crimes and complicity in human rights
abuses, is under renewed pressure following an October 9 landslide that killed eight
workers at its huge Grasberg gold and copper mine.
US-based Freeport's website has made no official comment on the accident since its
initial statement that said the landslide had killed two workers and left six missing.
However, Freeport has issued four financial reports since the fatal incident and has
reassured investors that mining operations are continuing at areas unaffected by the
landslide.
The Indonesian government is currently investigating claims by environmentalists that
the accident was caused by overproduction.
Following is the complete text of Walhi's press release demanding justice for the
victims of Freeport.
George W Bush demands justice for two American victims … Papuan people demand
justice for THOUSANDS of victims of Freeport-Rio Tinto!
Press Release
October 22, 2003
Jakarta - The investigation into the killings related to the Freeport-Rio Tinto Grasberg
mine in West Papua will be on the agenda for George W. Bush's meeting today with
Indonesian President Megawati. West Papuan and Indonesian community groups
today used Bush's investigation call as a platform to demand an in-depth investigation
into the real crimes and thousands of victims at the Freeport-Rio Tinto mine.
The catastrophic landslide thirteen days ago that left 8 dead and 5 injured has
triggered an angry response to Freeport-Rio Tinto's unsafe production levels, tens of
millions of dollars paid to the notorious Indonesian military, and a history of human
rights abuse of the local Indigenous people. West Papuan and Indonesian community
groups demand that the Government of Indonesia renegotiate the Contract of Work
with US- based Freeport and UK/Australia-based Rio Tinto, the Grasberg mine
owners.
"The Government must demand accountability and take clear action against
Freeport-Rio Tinto after this incident by demanding the company lower production,"
said Nur Hidayati, Friends of the Earth Indonesia (WALHI) at a press conference at
the WALHI office in Jakarta, Wednesday, October 22.
"The Contract of Work renegotiation has to take place with the following conditions;
(1) assign an independently chosen team to complete an environmental audit and a
full investigation into human rights abuses, (2) Freeport-Rio Tinto must halt all
payments to the military in West Papua and reveal all details regarding past
payments, both official and unofficial, and (3) there must be a national dialogue
between the Government of Indonesia and West Papuan community to address
human rights abuses," said Hans Gebze from the West Papua Students Alliance.
[ends]
Copyright © 2000 - 2002 Laksamana.net, All Rights Reserved.
|
