Roadblocks coming down in Ambon

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