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Dear readers, On Wednesday, 19th December 2001, at 6.25 a.m.local time a speedboat owned by a Christian was surrounded by an unspecified number of speedboats owned by moslems as it was on its way from Galala to Benteng. In the area located near the Batu Merah shophousing complex the speedboat was bombed. There were 11 people on board, including the speedboat personnel. Nine died instantly, one was in critical condition but died later and one 11 year old child survived the attack. The persons who died were as follows: 1. Pola Picasouw 2. Itong Verhagen 3. Mrs. An Matita 4. Mrs. Oya Manuputy 5. Mrs. In Rumaleiselang 6. Roy Yohannes 7. Robertina Reawaru 8. Sara Sampe 9. I. Toha 10. Yongky Sahusiwa Boy who survived attack: 1. Steven Agustinus At 0.45 a.m. local time the chairman of the Church Synod of the GPM (Maluku Protestant Church) along with a number of other pastors and members of the church workers protested the government by sitting near the flagpole of the Maluku governor's office building until 11.30 a.m. Subsequently the governor and staff of the Maluku civilian emergency command came to meet the Synod chairman. On this occasion the Synod chairman and other Christian leaders demanded intervention by international (peacekeeping) forces in Maluku inasmuch as th government proved unable to protect christians in the province. On Tuesday, 18th December, between 17.00 - 18.00 hours local time four bombs were discovered on board the m.v. Iramuar which usually transports christians from the Gudang Arang harbour to South East Maluku. The situation in Maluku is still far from peaceful, and the rumors are that Christians will be prevented from celebrating Christmas. Let us continue to pray for peace and calm in Ambon. ESKOL-NET
