ABC AUSTRALIA, 10/04/2003 05:38:11
Plea to rebels from Papua leaders
The Papua Presidium Council is appealing to Free Papua rebels to refrain from
attacking the Indonesian military so it can continue efforts to establish dialogue with
Jakarta.
Council member, Franz Albert Joku, says there are government members who are
willing to discuss Papua's political status but attacks by O-P-M rebels could
jeopardise that.
Free Papua rebels were last week accused of breaking into an army arsenal at
Wamena, sparking a gunfight in which three people, including two soldiers, were
killed.
Mr Joku said while it was not clear if rebels were involved in that incident, he is calling
on them not to jeopardise the small support Papuans have within the Indonesian
government.
10/04/2003 05:38:11 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
