ABC AUSTRALIA, 01/07/2004 21:30:40
Demonstrators mark pro-independence anniversary in Papua
About 1,000 people have gathered for a peaceful rally in the Indonesian province of
Papua to mark the anniversary of the pro-independence Free Papua Organisation.
The demonstrators gathered in front of the state-run Cendrawasih University before
boarding trucks bound for the provincial parliament.
The Antara newsagency says police stopped them halfway and confiscated their
posters and banners.
The protestors were allowed to continue after their identification papers were checked.
Antara says despite the confiscations, the demonstraters rallied at parliament,
singing and shouting for a referendum on sovereignty, as about 100 policemen stood
guard.
There are no reports of any arrests.
Vanuatu to host talks on Papua
The Pacific nation of Vanuatu says it is to host peace talks late next month between
Indonesia and Papuan separatists.
The foreign minister, Moana Kalosil, says Vanuatu wants to offer both sides a neutral
venue to try to resolve the long-running dispute.
The minister says apart from agreeing to the talks, Indonesia has also offered to
increase bilateral trade, speed up immigration procedures and to provide technical
assistance to Vanuatu.
He says the talks will be held in Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, between 26 and 28 July.
An offer by New Zealand to broker talks last year was rejected as the Indonesian
government insisted the issue was a domestic matter that would be settled internally.
01/07/2004 21:30:40 | ABC Radio Australia News
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