Soldiers told to stay neutral

AMBON, Maluku: Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago called on all troops here to maintain peace and impartiality.

Speaking on Wednesday to the commander of the Army companies at military posts in Pohon Pule, Batu Gantung and Tanah Lapang Kecil districts, Chaniago asked the soldiers to be firm in carrying out their duties.

Djamari, whose entourage included his operational assistant Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri, was here to evaluate the implementation of the civil emergency declared in the riot-torn territory two months ago.

The general admitted to having received reports on the partiality of both military and police troops in the province.

Later in the day Djamari held a closed door meeting with civil emergency ruler, Governor Saleh Latuconsina, the head of the provincial prosecutors' office and Maluku Police chief. (49/sur)