Japanese returning to Irian Jaya

Japanese returning to Irian Jaya

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: About 20.000 Japanese from the Yamagata
Province are expected to visit the province next year to mark the
50th anniversary since the fierce battle with the Allies during
World War II.

A peace monument was erected here on Thursday to honor
Japanese soldiers who died during the war. Yamagata Governor
Kazuo Takahashi, Irian Jaya Governor Jacob Patippi and 70
Japanese war veterans were present at the ceremony.

The city authorities, in anticipation of the influx of
Japanese next year, plans to expand the Jayapura airport's runway
so that it can take Fokker 28 aircraft. (arf)