Governor ready for hostages

Governor ready for hostages

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Governor Fredy Numberi said on Tuesday
he has been authorized by Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid
to receive 11 Irianese currently held captive in Papua New Guinea
(PNG) by a rebel group should the latter party release the
hostages.

The Irianese gang abducted the 11 Arso villagers, mostly
women, early this month, and is believed to be hiding in the
neighboring country.

Papuan Prime Minister Bill Skate last week instructed the
Papuan military to help secure their release.

Numberi said the Papuan government's effort to help release
the hostages demonstrates the strengthening of the cooperation
between PNG and Indonesia.

Asked where the hostages would be released, he said the Papuan
government has not yet informed him of the matter.

"If they're not released at the border, they could be released
in Vanimo, capital of Sandaun province," he was quoted by Antara
as saying.