Ambon needs another chopper<\/p>\n
AMBON, Maluku: The local military has asked Minister of
\nDefense and Security\/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto
\nto send a Superpuma helicopter to help quell rioting which has
\nspread to other cities in the province.<\/p>\n
Riots first broke out in Ambon last month.<\/p>\n
Chief of the Pattimura Military Command Col. Karel Ralahalu
\nwas quoted by Antara as saying the two police helicopters sent
\nearlier by Wiranto had a limited capacity and cruising range.<\/p>\n
Ralahalu said Governor Saleh Latuconsina conveyed the same
\nrequest to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo H.S. and National
\nPolice chief Gen. Roesmanhadi when they visited here early this
\nmonth.<\/p>\n
One hundred and five people were killed in the communal
\nclashes that broke out in Ambon and neighboring regions. The most
\nrecent violence took place on Sunday in Haruku Island, killing
\nanother 20, according to Antara. Rioting also reportedly spread
\nto Saparua island.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Southeast Sulawesi Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin said
\nhe had requested President B.J. Habibie's assistance to handle
\nthe 15,000 people who fled the violence in Maluku, fleeing to
\ntheir hometowns of Buton and Muna in Southeast Sulawesi.<\/p>\n
He said the local budget would not cover the expenditure for
\nthe refugees' resettlement. \"Unless they are well taken care of,
\nthe refugees could create social and environmental problems such
\nas deforestation (in the opening up of forest land),\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said 40 children who lost their parents in Maluku were
\nbeing sheltered at various places, including at an orphanage in
\nBau-bau. (swe)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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