*EPF112 02/11/2002
Text: State Dept. Says U.S. Welcomes Indonesia-Maluku Peace Talks
(Talks key to resolving conflict in Maluku) (170)

The United States welcomes the Indonesian government's launch of peace talks in Malino between Maluku's Muslim and Christian communities, State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said February 11.

Following is the text of Boucher's statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
February 11, 2002

STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN

Indonesia-Maluku Peace Talks

The United States welcomes the Indonesian government's launch of peace talks today in Malino between Maluku's Muslim and Christian communities. Such dialogue is key to resolving the conflict in Maluku. These talks are an important step in Indonesia's efforts to end violence, re-establish the rule of law, and provide for reconstruction in the troubled province.

Since the conflict began, the United States has provided almost $6 million in assistance to the victims on both sides of this conflict, and we will continue to provide humanitarian and reconciliation assistance to the people of Maluku and North Maluku.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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