Muslims, Christians make peace

Muslims, Christians make peace

TERNATE, North Maluku: Some 2,000 Muslims and Christians in
Loloda subdistrict on Halmahera island, North Maluku, held on
Friday a traditional Baku Bae (peace-making) ceremony.

The island has been divided by communal conflict since 1999.

The ceremony was attended by North Maluku Governor Muhyi
Effendie, security commanders and local figures, Antara reported.

The ceremony began with both parties laying down thousands of
weapons, such as bombs, arrow and spears, before destroying all
of them together.

They also agreed to ignore any provocation.

Christian residents in Loloda several times reportedly refused
to allow Muslims refugees to return to their homes in and around
Halmahera, but have apparently had a change of heart.(hdn)