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Gutteres meets Laskar Jihad commander

Source
Tempo - July 19, 2002

Retno Sulistyowati, Jakarta – Eurico Gutteres, former commander of East-Timorese Pro-Integration Fighters, came to National Police headquarters (HQ) in Jakarta on Friday (19/7) to meet with Laskar Jihad commander Jafar Umar Thalib.

Jafar Umar has been detained at the National Police HQ detention center for allegedly provoking an attack on a village in Ambon, Maluku, sometime ago.

"I just want to show my support for my friend," Gutteres said after meeting with Jafar Umar.

According to Gutteres, he did not talk much with Jafar Umar. "I just want him not to feel guilty and regret what has happened," Gutteres said.

According to Gutteres, Jafar Umar was right to fight separatist movements like the South Maluku Republic (RMS) and Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM). The fight against separatist movements is protected in the 1945 Constitution under article 30, said Gutteres.

Gutteres said that he did not bring special message from anyone or any group to Jafar Umar. "I came here in person. I'm also charged in a case. So, it's unlikely I would bring a special message to Mr. Jafar Umar," stated Gutteres.

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