Promises coax refugees to leave

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): About 13,000 refugees have returned home following the promise of Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto to withdraw Crack Riots Troops (PPRM) from Aceh, the Ministry of Health's crisis center said here on Wednesday.

Antara quoted head of the center, Ibrahim Hasyim, as saying that there were still 27,800 refugees in East Aceh, 2,549 in North Aceh and 14,000 in Pidie as of Wednesday. Many have stayed there for two months.

"The refugees are continuing to leave the shelters, and we are encouraged with this development because we are quite concerned with their living conditions, especially their health," Ibrahim said. (prb)