The Jakarta Post, August 11, 2002
Christian, Muslim delegates meet in Poso to end violence
JAKARTA (JP): A second round of peace talks to end the renewed violence in Poso,
Central Sulawesi, began on Sunday despite only a few Christian figures attending the
two-day meeting held in the provincial capital of Palu.
The fresh talks, brokered by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla,
appeared futile as no influential Christian leaders appeared.
Their absence dealt another blow to achieving long-lasting peace in the once-ravaged
town, where some 2,000 people have been killed in two years of intermittent sectarian
fighting.
The Muslim group threatened to walk out of the meeting, accusing its rival faction of
disrespecting the important forum. But they later dropped the threat, arguing that the
talks were not intended to make any deal.
At least 25 representatives from both sides were invited to the meeting.
Most Muslim delegates were present.
But, only five Christian figures -- J. Santo, S. Pelima, P. Nelitan Alamako, Hari Kabi
and D. Langgara -- showed up.
Langgara said his group had decided not to attend the second peace talks in protest
against many unexplained violations of the Malino agreement signed by Muslim and
Christian representatives.
"Our group has issued a statement signed by Pak Renaldy Damanik calling its
members not to attend the current meeting," e said.
Langgara said his faction was disappointed over the failure of local security authorities
to solve a spate of recent attacks on mainly Christian victims.
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