Separatists free abducted Belgians

Separatists free abducted Belgians

JAYAPURA, IriaN Jaya (JP): Two Belgians held hostage by
separatist rebels in the Irian Jaya hinterland have been freed
after nearly two months in captivity.

Negotiators claim that no ransom was involved in the release
of Johan Van den Eynde, 47, and Philippe Simon, 49, with the
separatist Free Papua Movement (OPM) only asking that the release
be published through the international media.

Upon their arrival here at Sentani Airport on Thursday, the
two documentary film makers said they were healthy and had been
treated well.

"I was not hurt at all while being held hostage," Johan told
journalists.

He added that the two ate regular meals with sweet potatoes
being the staple food.

Johan said the most difficult challenge during their abduction
was fighting boredom and being away from family and friends for
so long.

The two were taken hostage in early June while trekking in
Jayawijaya regency. During the third day of their journey, they
were confronted at Paluga village by about 15 men armed with bows
and arrows, and machetes.

"I tried to tell them that we were merely adventurers and not
spies," Johan said of the ordeal.

The negotiating team of Theo van Den Broek and Benny Giay also
said that publicity of the separatists' aims was the only
condition placed on the two Belgians' release.

Benny said that Titus Murib, the leader of the group which
kidnapped the two men, had also apologized for their actions,
saying that it was the only option available to them for raising
awareness of their cause.

At the airport, the negotiators officially handed over the two
Belgians to local authorities, represented by Irian Jaya Police
chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika, who then transferred the
men to Belgian diplomats.

Johan and Philippe are due to fly to Jakarta on Saturday
before catching a flight back home to Belgium.

Separatist rebels have frequently targeted foreigners for
abduction.

One of the most dramatic events was when rebels abducted
several Indonesian and foreign researchers in 1996. The incident
culminated in a dramatic military operation to release the group,
which resulted in the deaths of two hostages.

Earlier this year, two South Koreans working for a timber
company in the province were also taken hostage for several days
before being released. (35)