Killing solves nothing

Referring to The Jakarta Post's article on page 2 of March 22, 2001 entitled Maluku leader dies of gunshot wounds focusing on the killing of Mr. Agus Wattimena, I would like to make the following comments:

First, Mr. Agus Wattimena, according to a report prepared by the International Crisis Group led by the former foreign minister of Australia, Gareth Evans, was not a peacemaker who campaigned for nonviolent action to stop the sectarian conflict in Maluku as depicted in the aforesaid article. The reputation of the ICG is beyond doubt, and the Post also published its report regarding Indonesia's financial crisis on March 23, 2001 on page 1.

Second, he was, in fact, described as a militia leader locally known as a Coker (Christian lad), a group identified as randomly killing innocent people in the conflict-hit region.

And third, this mere fact, however, should not or cannot in any way or manner justify the killing of Mr. Agus Wattimena. Killings will not solve the problem

Should the Post and its readers for that matter wish to obtain further information on the ICG's report, you may visit http:www.crisisweb.org.

MUHAMMAD FARIED

Jakarta