Hostages 'won't become int'l issue'

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)