ABC 19/04/2002 05:09:48
Papuans hold talks on Muslim paramilitaries
Religious leaders in Indonesia's Papua province have met regional authorities to
discuss the entry of a militant Islamic militia into the mainly Christian province.
An official says the governor, Jacobus Solossa, held talks with leaders of the
Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths.
The A-F-P newsagency says they discussed the presence of the Laskar Jihad, which
has been blamed for inflaming the Muslim-Christian conflict in Maluku province after
sending thousands of fighters in May, 2000.
It also sent fighters to Central Sulawesi province to help Muslims in battles against
Christians.
Recent government-brokered peace pacts have ended both conflicts, which cost
thousands of lives.
The meeting of government and religious leaders agreed to monitor Laskar Jihad's
activities in Papua.
19/04/2002 05:09:48 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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