Maluku govt asked to be transparent

Maluku govt asked to be transparent

AMBON, Maluku: The Catholic and Protestant churches in the
province called on the provincial administration to be
transparent in giving information on violent incidents in the
strife-torn province.

Father B. Rahawarin, representing the Amboina Diocese and Rev.
D. Mailoa, representing Protestant churches in the province, said
the provincial government should be transparent in reporting the
violent clashes that have claimed thousands of lives since the
sectarian conflict erupted in January 1999.

"The government must also report on the massive killings and
violent riots, especially those that occurred in the last two
weeks, which were committed by terrorist groups who aim to
threaten security in the province," said Rahawarin.

Mailoa said the military should take concrete steps to stop
the continued conflict that would certainly worsen the situation
of the local people.

"Security authorities must take action against all persons who
incite disturbance, especially during the fasting month and in
the period before Christmas," he said. --Antara