Kopassus ends Papua duty

Kopassus ends Papua duty

JAYAPURA, Papua: Some 250 soldiers of the Army's Special
Forces (Kopassus) left Papua on Monday after around 12 months of
duty in the troubled province.

A farewell ceremony was led by Trikora regional military chief
Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon at the Porasko seaport in the
provincial capital of Jayapura.

Mahidin said no replacement troops would be sent to the
province as security had greatly improved.

He denied speculation that the withdrawal of Kopassus troops
in the area was due to resistance by locals.

"It is nothing to do with opposition from local people, but is
based merely on the consideration that security is conducive
now," he added.

Seven Kopassus members are currently standing trial for
killing Papua proindependence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay in November
2001. -- JP