ABC AUSTRALIA, 08/01/2003 21:35:33
Authorities on Indonesia's Ambon island seek help of tribal
leaders
Authorities in Indonesia's violence-torn Ambon island will seek the help of tribal
leaders to bring a complete end to years of bloody sectarian conflict.
An official said 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, said that
educational and cultural experts would 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 in Ambon island, where the provincial
capital is located.
08/01/2003 21:35:33 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
