National

Poso Task Unit Given Three Months to Normalize Security
Thursday, 24 November, 2005 | 10:32 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Palu, Central Sulawesi:Admiral Widodo AS, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, has given the Poso Task Unit three months in which to normalize the security situation in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi.

If the situation in Poso is not yet safe within this three-month period, it will be extended by a further three months.

“However, the three-month extension will be the final one and can only be carried out once,” stated Widodo at Mutiara Palu airport following the inauguration of the Poso Task Unit on Wednesday (23/11).

There are several tasks for the Task Unit, including acceleration of the sorting out of terror and criminal cases in Poso.

This is because up to now it has been difficult to name those behind the beheading of three Poso students.

Other tasks include establishing and maintaining social harmony within the general public, creating a sense of security within communities and settling post-conflict problems, particularly in relation to the embezzlement of social funds.

“We will pay serious attention to embezzlement allegations regarding Poso refugee funds,” stated Widodo.

When asked about the Special Force troops, which were given the code name “Flower Team” and assumed to have been assigned to disrupt the situation in Poso and Palu, the Coordinating Minister rejected this.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” stated Widodo.
(Darlis-Tempo News Room)