House Urges Govt to Speed Up Hostages Talks
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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Speaker of the Defense Commission of the House of Representatives, Asril Hamzah Tanjung, expressed his concern about the safety of 14 Indonesians held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines. Asril’s statement came up after Abu Sayyaf beheaded a Canadian hostage, John Ridsdel, when a deadline had passed.
"The government continues diplomacy with the Philippine. But the there is no development in this case," said Asril on April 27.
Asril has asked the government to come up with more assertive measures to release the 14 citizens. The lawmaker suggested that the government involves tugboat operator in negotiating the release.
"If there is no development, we will summon the Foreign Minister and Chief of the National Intelligence Agency. We need explanation why does it take so long for us to rescue the hostages," said Asril.
Abu Sayyaf militants group has taken hostage of 14 Indonesians, demanding ransom of at least US$10 million. Chief of the National Armed Force, General Gatot Nurmantyo, has said that he plans to meet his Malaysian and Philippine counterpart on May 5, possibly discussing attempts to rescue the hostages.
INDRA WIJAYA
