ICRC to clarify role in Irianese hostage crisis

ICRC to clarify role in Irianese hostage crisis

JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to restore "the trust of all parties",
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is sending a
special envoy here to clarify its involvement in the tragic end
of the 1996 Irian Jaya hostage crisis.

The special envoy will be tasked with explaining that the
organization strictly acted as a neutral intermediary to assist
and seek the release of the hostages.

"Despite the profound conviction of the ICRC that no delegate
was involved in any military action, it is of utmost importance
for the institution to act transparently, in all circumstances,"
said Toni Pfanner, head of Southeast Asia regional delegation, in
a statement here on Thursday.

The envoy is expected to arrive here this month and meet with
several parties to clarify the ICRC's involvement, particularly
the alleged involvement of one of its delegates.

Thirteen researchers, including seven foreigners, were
kidnapped by Irianese rebels in January 1996. The ICRC then
stepped in to help ensure the health and possibly mediate the
release of the hostages.

However, after several months their efforts failed the ICRC
officially withdrew from the crisis and then Indonesian troops
launched a military operation to rescue the hostages.

Eleven hostages were freed, however two others died in the
attack.

Recently there has been speculation on the true role of the
ICRC, with some suggesting there may have been a misuse of the
Red Cross symbol and the involvement of ICRC delegate Sylviane
Bonaday in the rescue operation, in which many local villagers
were also reportedly killed.

In his statement, Pfanner maintained that any misuse of the
Red Cross symbol was a violation of international humanitarian
law, especially when it is associated with the killing of people.

He noted that it was crucial that in the envoy's meeting with
the parties concerned, a respected person from the Irianese
community be included. (06)