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