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