Ambon at standstill from days of unrest

Ambon at standstill from days of unrest

AMBON, Maluku: The situation remained tense in the riot-torn
city here on Tuesday as most activities were paralyzed after four
consecutive days of communal clashes.

Virtually no public transportation or private vehicles were on
the roads, which were blockaded at many spots by groups of armed
youths,

Schools and businesses were temporarily closed.

Pattimura Military District Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela
said that Indonesian Military Commander Adm. Widodo A.S., who was
expected to arrive here on Tuesday, temporarily postponed his
visit.

"But he will probably be here in the next couple of days,"
Tamaela told The Jakarta Post by telephone.

Widodo is slated to officiate in the transfer of the security
command in the province from the police to the military, and to
brief local authorities on preparations for the Muslim fasting
month of Ramadhan and Christmas. (48/edt)