Two Belgians missing in Irian

Two Belgians missing in Irian

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Two Belgian scientists have gone missing
while conducting research in Illaga district, Puncak Jaya
regency, Irian Jaya.

The two Belgians have been identified as Johan Elia Theo van
Dem Eynde, 47, and Philippe R.D. Simon, 49.

Antara news agency quoted sources as saying the two were
kidnapped by separatist guerrillas. The police, however, have
denied these claims.

Irian Jaya Police spokesman Comr. Zulkifli AR said police had
received a report about the two missing Belgians, and that
preliminary evidence did not support the claim that the two were
kidnapped by separatists.

He said police were searching for the two foreign scientists,
who had been lodging in the home of a local village chief. (02)