Roadblocks coming down in Ambon

AMBON, Maluku: Security officers in the troubled Maluku capital of Ambon began on Friday evening to remove roadblocks in the Nania area of Teluk Baguala district.

However, they were still waiting for assistance from the Regional Office for Public Services to remove roadblocks in Batumerah, Sirimau district, an officer said on Saturday.

Ambon Sector I Security chief Col. E.H. Lubis said technical support, including heavy machinery, was needed because the residents had built permanent roadblocks.

"We found no obstacles in clearing roadblocks in Nania, and hopefully there will be no trouble in other areas so that traffic can return to normal," Lubis said.

He added that his unit began clearing the roads in Pohon Mangga, Nusaniwe district, on Friday, but traffic had yet to return to normal because the roads connecting Ambon to the village of Seri and the area of Latulahat could be accessed by private cars only.

Lubis predicted that by next week traffic would return to normal. "If the security situation allows, the roads will be accessible," he said. --Antara