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