Students rally against Interfet

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Some 100 students staged a rally at the provincial council here on Monday demanding Australian troops in the International Force for East Timor (Interfet) be withdrawn.

The students were from the Muhammadiyah Students Association, who also laid siege to the front of the Australian Consulate.

Student spokesman Nizaruddin said the Australian troops were not neutral and had hidden interests in the territory.

"We have come to the council because the Australian Consulate in Medan has not given any response to students' demands," Nizaruddin said.

"The Australian troops have gone too far and disregarded Indonesia's sovereignty," he added. (05/39)