Soldiers told to stay neutral

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)