Kidnappers seek international discussion on 'Free Papua'

Kidnappers seek international discussion on 'Free Papua'

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): An Irianese separatist group that
has taken hostage two Belgian filmmakers is demanding President
Abdurrahman Wahid bring the Irian Jaya issues before an
international forum, a church official said on Tuesday.

Priest Theo van den Broek said the demand was made by an
Irianese separatist group in a letter signed by commander of the
Papuan Liberation Army (TPNP) Kelly Kwalik.

The demand surprised Van den Broek because earlier the
abductors only demanded to meet with church missionaries to
negotiate the conditions for the hostages' release.

Van den Broek and Rev. Benny Giay have been appointed by Irian
Jaya bishop to establish communication with the kidnappers.

"I thought the letter was only meant for the mediators (church
officials) but it is stated that it is to be passed on to the
President," Van den Broek said.

Kelly led the 1996 abduction of several researchers, among
them a few foreigners. One of the abducted scientists was killed
during a military operation to release the hostages in the remote
Mapenduma, Wamena.

Broek said he would go to Illaga in Puncak Jaya where the two
Belgians -- Johan Elia Theo van Dem Eynde, 47, and Phillippe R.D.
Simon, 49 -- were being held captive by the rebels.

The two Belgians were reported missing three weeks ago.

"We will offer a preliminary meeting with the abductors while
waiting for a response from the President," Van den Broek
remarked.

The two church officials met with Irian Jaya Police chief
Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika to discuss their departure to
Puncak Jaya regency.

In a related development, Irian Jaya Governor JP Solossa said
that the letter sent by the separatist group had been sent to the
provincial administration representative in Jakarta to be passed
on to President Abdurrahman.

"We have forwarded the letter to Jakarta but the demand to
take the Free Papua issue to an international forum can't be done
within one or two days as the President is still on his overseas
trip," Solossa said. (34/emf)