Swiss airline offers Irian help

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A Swiss airline, Heli Swiss, has offered its assistance to Irian Jaya Governor J. Pattipi to transport food to people living in the province's remote areas which are suffering from food shortages.

Head of the provincial civil defense unit (Hansip), Sam Leimena, told Antara here yesterday that the provincial administration received the Swiss offer late last month.

He said the governor welcomed the offer and asked the airline to come as soon as possible.

Australia also recently sent a Twin Otter aircraft from Maf Australia along with its pilot and co-pilot to help the local administration cope with the food shortage.

The plane has returned to Australia even though its help is still badly needed there.

"Therefore, the assistance of Heli Swiss will be very helpful in sending foodstuffs to the remote villages mostly located on mountain slopes," Leimena said.