Belgian envoy barred from Ilaga

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Due to security concerns, the Irian Jaya authorities prohibited on Tuesday Belgian Ambassador to Indonesia Luk Darras from visiting Ilaga in Puncak Jaya regency as part of the process of the release of two Belgian nationals kidnapped by a separatist group in Irian for more than two months.

The kidnappers had earlier demanded that the ambassador go to pick up Johan van den Endi, 47, and M.Phillipe Simon, 49, who have been held captive by the group led by Penny Murip and Titus Murip since May 25.

Ambassador Darras said he could understand why he was not allowed to go. "A constructive way out (to release the hostages) must be sought."

Irian Jaya Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika said in the meeting with Darras that the ambassador was allowed to pick up the hostages only if they were released in Jayapura. "We guarantee the kidnappers' safety in Jayapura and their return to Ilaga." (35)