JAKARTA, JUNE 29 (ZENIT.org-FIDES)

    A U.N. security force is urgently needed in the Moluccas Islands, to put an end to Christian "cleansing." In a joint statement, Christians of all denominations made this anguished appeal in Ambon on June 25, calling upon the international community to safeguard human rights.

    The statement, which was signed by Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Tethool of Ambon, and Reverend Sammy Titaley, chairman of the board of the Synod of Protestant Churches in the Moluccas, states that the situation in the Islands is explosive because of the "contemptible and inhuman" assault on Christians by prejudiced armed forces, moving "hand in hand with thousands of Muslim fundamentalist 'Jihad' fighters, coming mainly from outside the Moluccas."

    In recent weeks, hundreds have been killed, including women and children, and several church buildings and other vital institutions, such as the Christian University Campus, have been destroyed by fire. The armed forces, which should protect all the people, are torn by internal conflicts, leaving the people unprotected. The escalation of deaths is frightening.

    Given the alarming situation, Christians "urgently appeal that, through the United Nations, the international community speedily render us help by sending a U.N. special security force. We earnestly hope that this cry will bring immediate response inb order to prevent a worsening process of genocide (Christian cleansing) in the Moluccas."

    On June 24, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference issued a statement condemning the destruction of the Sacred Heart Hospital in Ambon. The bishops appealed for the protection and evacuation of displaced persons and an immediate halt to military attacks. Sources of the international agency "Fides," report that the bishops fear disorders may erupt in other parts of the country.

    Last week, Indonesian President Wahid said the region was closed to outsiders, but the measure is ineffective, since anyone wishing to stir violence can easily access the Moluccas archipelago from any side.

    In the meantime, changes have been made in the army. The Christian commander of the military troops in Ambon has been replaced by Colonel I Made Yasa, a Hindu, who should be impartial towards Christians and Muslims. The Colonel announced that 1,400 soldiers in Ambon will be replaced, because they have been at their post for too long and are probably "emotionally involved," an army spokesman said.

    The changes were made after the army was accused of siding with Muslims and being incapable of halting the violence. On June 26, the government declared a state of civil emergency, the first step toward martial law. In a state of emergency, security forces may enter homes, arrest suspects, and impose curfews. ZE00062920

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