Military denies role in tourist murder

Military denies role in tourist murder

PALU, Central Sulawesi: The military chief in the Central
Sulawesi town of Poso Col. Suwahyuhadji denied speculation on
Monday that the Army's Special Force (Kopassus) had links to the
killing of Italian tourist Lorenzo Taddei early this month.

When the incident took place, no Kopassus personnel were in
the area, Suwahyuhadji told Antara. "I can prove my troops were
not involved in the incident," he added.

He was commenting on rumors that the Kopassus soldiers who
were conducting an intelligence mission in the conflict-ridden
town were behind the murder.

The Italian embassy here has never issued a formal statement
on the incident.

Meanwhile, Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Comr. Agus
Sugianto, admitted that the police had found it difficult to
investigate Taddei's murder.

"The police are continuing their investigation into the attack
but we could not find evidence," he said. -- Antara