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)