Army chief visits Jayapura, Ambon

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Army chief of staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto arrived here on Monday for a two-day visit to the easternmost province.

Acting governor Musiran, local military commander Maj. Gen. Alberth Inkiriwang, provincial police chief Brig. Gen. S.Y. Wenas and speaker of the provincial legislature T.N. Kaiway welcomed Tyasno and his entourage, which included his wife, at Sentani Airport.

After his maiden trip here, in which he is scheduled to hold talks with local community and religious leaders at the provincial military headquarters, Tyasno will fly to riot-torn Ambon on Tuesday.

During his one-day visit to Ambon, Tyasno will inspect the readiness of Army troops posted in the town, which was rocked by a series of fresh violence last week. At least nine people were killed in the riots on Friday and Sunday. (49/eba)