General warns of provocative news

General warns of provocative news

DILI, East Timor: The Udayana regional military chief, Maj.
Gen. Abdul Rivai, warned the press over the weekend against
"provocative" reporting on issues surrounding the troubled
territory.

"It doesn't have to be about the good side of an issue but
never disseminate provocative news," said Rivai, who oversees
security in East Timor, Nusa Tanggara and Bali.

Rivai called journalists in the youngest province his
"partners" in disseminating information about happenings in East
Timor.

The general's statement came as the capital was returning to
normal after four days of bloody street brawls involving anti-
and pro-government groups in which two people were killed and
more than 120 people arrested.

He said settlement of the numerous problems in East Timor
requires the hard work of not only the government but also others
such as the press, Antara reported. (pan)