Hostages 'won't become int'l issue'

TIMIKA, Irian Jaya: Irian Jaya Governor Jaap Solossa said the Indonesian and Belgian governments had agreed not to make the kidnapping of two Belgian nationals by rebels in the province into an international issue.

"The Belgian ambassador has met with me and said that there would be no efforts to blow up the case into an international issue," Governor Solossa said in Timika on Sunday.

"There's a light. The church has met with the Papuan National Freedom Fighters, which took the two Belgians hostage. Hopefully the hostages will be freed soon," Solossa said.

He said military action was not recommended in this case, reiterating that a nonviolent approach was preferable.

"The military is responsible for security and order in the area, but it must not take part in the efforts to release the Belgians."

Philippe Simon, 49, and Johan van den Eynde, 47, have been held by the rebels in the district of Ilaga, Puncak Jaya regency, since May 25.

A photograph of the two, seated with church negotiators and surrounded by local people, was made public on Friday. The photo appeared to show that the two hostages were in good condition.

The kidnappers have said the Belgians will be released when the Indonesian government reviews the political status of Irian Jaya, within the unitary state of Indonesia.

Two church mediators, Theo van den Broek and Benny Giay, are reportedly in Jakarta to meet with the Belgian ambassador to discuss their talks with the rebels. (35/sur)