Urgent: Indonesian Army Kidnap Red Cross Workers

STATE OF ACHEH

PRESS RELEASE

9 February, 2004 Eight Achehnese members of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) were kidnapped by Indonesian troops today and another two members are missing, according to reports just received from Acheh.

But the situation is far from clear. There are also strong indications that several of the PMI were actually Indonesian military intelligence officers dressed in PMI uniform.

Indonesia used a similar tactic in Papua in the late 1990s.

The latest incident occurred in Bagok District, Peureulak (East Acheh) during an Indonesian military raid on dozens of sick Achehnese who had fled their homes. The sick men, women and children were under the care of fighters of the Free Acheh Movement (GAM).

The PMI had been called to provide medical aid. Indonesian soldiers (TNI) reportedly followed the PMI.

Peureulak now has the largest concentration of TNI troops. As in the rest of Acheh, the TNI has beaten villagers and forced them to join search-and- kill operations against GAM members.

We urgently call upon the international community and governmental and non-governmental organizations to condemn these latest violations. We urge them to pressure Indonesia to observe the most basic human rights covenants and conventions and laws of warfare, especially the protection of non-combatants.

Dr. Zaini Abdullah
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Acheh
Stockholm.

OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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www.asnlf.net

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