Irianese urged to channel demand

Irianese urged to channel demand

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Governor Freddy Numberi urged
people on Wednesday to channel their demand for independence
through the Provincial Legislative Council instead of hoisting
the West Papuan flag on Dec. 1.

"They could write down their demand and submit it to the
council. The legislators will deliver the demand to the central
government," Freddy said.

He warned that hoisting separatist flags would provoke fresh
outbreaks of unrest in the province.

Freddy, who is state minister of administrative reforms, was
commenting on a plan by Irianese to raise the West Papuan flag on
Dec. 1 in a move to express their independence demand.

The governor also promised to send five or six representatives
to Jakarta to have talks with President Abdurrahman Wahid.

People in Nabire, Sorong and Merauke have decided to execute
the plan, while those in Jayawijaya have rejected it. (eba/04)