Quick return of students sought

Quick return of students sought

JAKARTA: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda said on
Friday that the deportation of the six Indonesian students held
in Pakistan should be concluded before the planned Dec. 14 visit
of President Megawati Soekarnoputri to that country.

"We hope these students will return home early next week
before the President's visit, because we do not wish to have the
issue overshadow the purpose of the visit," Hassan said.

Six Indonesian students were arrested by Pakistani authorities
in September, and the ensuing investigation has found that they
were involved in terrorist activities. Their activities did not
have targets in Pakistan.

Jakarta has decided to send a joint team comprising foreign
ministry officials and national police to bring the students home
for further investigation.

Megawati is slated to embark on a four-day state visit to
Pakistan on Dec. 14, following a tour to Japan and China. -- JP