ABC AUSTRALIA, 08/01/2003 18:43:56
Tribal leaders to contribute to Ambon peace plan
Authorities in Indonesia's violence-torn Ambon island will seek the help of tribal
leaders to bring an end to years of bloody sectarian conflict.
An official says the meeting of tribal leaders will be held on January 9-11 as part of
efforts to enforce peace in Ambon.
A spokesman for the Maluku provincial administration, Jack Saimima, says
educational and cultural specialists will also attend the meeting.
A bloody conflict between Muslims and Christians was sparked by a trivial dispute in
January 1999.
More than 5,000 people were killed and more than 500,000 others forced to flee their
homes until a government-brokered peace pact was signed in February last year.
However, sporadic violence has continued across the island.
08/01/2003 18:43:56 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
