EU wants probe into Theys' death

EU wants probe into Theys' death

JAKARTA: The European Union (EU) has expressed deep concern over the mysterious death of Papuan independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay, urging the Indonesian government to investigate his likely murder.

Current EU President Belgium issued a statement which said it hoped the "killing" of Theys would not spark tension and conflict in Indonesia's eastern most province of Irian Jaya, also referred to as West Papua.

It was the first formal expression of concern from the international community since Theys was found dead in his car on Nov. 11. The previous evening he had been reported kidnapped by unidentified men on his way home from the provincial capital Jayapura, where he had attended a National Heroes Day celebration. He was buried last Saturday.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery, in addition to the whereabouts of his driver who disappeared after the car was taken by suspected kidnappers. The police are investigating the incident.

Jakarta has offered Papua a special autonomy status as part of attempts to appease rising demands for independence by separatists in the province.

"All efforts to implement the law on special autonomy (in Papua) will hopefully be maintained for the sake of the province's and people's unity," the EU statement said.

The statement was also signed by the EU's partner countries and prospective members from Central and Eastern Europe. -- Antara