FED: Australian reports military death threats on Ambon = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-1999
FED: Australian reports military death threats on Ambon = 2

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have asked the Australian embassy in
Jakarta to make representations to the Indonesia government on Mr Tholstrup's behalf, a DFAT
spokesman said.

DFAT became involved in Mr Tholstrup's case two days ago when Indonesian authorities
alleged they found two guns aboard Mr Tholstrup's five-metre boat.

"He's obviously in a difficult situation and hopefully this is just a set back," the
spokesman said.

"But the embassy in Jakarta has been informed and they will follow this up."

The spokesman said DFAT was aware of Mr Tholstrup's phone call to Mr Sim.

DFAT had hoped Mr Tholstrup's dispute with local authorities on remote Ambon, the scene of
recent religious violence, had been resolved.

"We've been giving him some assistance there and my understanding was it had been sorted
out," the spokesman said.

"Because of those two guns local authorities allege they had found in his boat, he had been
taken to military headquarters.

"We're hoping that this is only a small delay and that he will be allowed to continue his
travels."

AAP rmg/br

KEYWORD: INDON THOLSTRUP 2 CANBERRA

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