Papuan police say New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens is in good health and negotiations are being prioritised, while the rebels say they want a UN-mediated discussion before releasing him.
Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this articleShare
Soldiers almost moved in to attack the rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army, until New Zealand authorities requested there be no acts of violence to free its citizens, he said. The rebels said they were refusing to release Mr Mehrtens until Indonesia grants independence to the Papua region."We already knew the place [where the pilot was being detained], at what coordinate points, but as soon as we were about to move, the New Zealand government came here asking for no acts of violence," the minister said.Papua police chief Mathius Faakhiri told Indonesian media Mr Mehrtens was in "good health".
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand needs to build back 'better, safer, smarter' from natural disastersAfter last week's damaging cyclone, the PM says New Zealand needs to rebuild with more resilient infrastructure to cope with more frequent and intense weather events.
Read more »
Uncharted territory: how the Fall’s fractious New Zealand tour nearly sank Flying Nun recordsWhen the Kiwi indie label got a chance to record a live album by the Manchester band, the tensions fraying the group almost destroyed the record company – as documented in a new book
Read more »
New Zealand tourist shot and killed in PhilippinesA massive police search is underway in the Philippines for two motorcycle-riding men who shot and killed a New Zealand man in a brazen street robbery that officials fear could scare foreign tourists away.
Read more »
Depth of New Zealand's cyclone despair far and widePictures have captured the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand, as communities attempt to cleanup and rebuild after the disaster. In some areas, powerlines are down and homes are uninhabitable. MORE: 9News
Read more »
New Zealand’s Tickner swaps Tests for flood clean-up as father’s house destroyedTwo days out from England’s second Test in Wellington came a reminder of more sobering events elsewhere
Read more »
England seam attack ‘licking their lips’ ahead of second Test against New ZealandBen Stokes has named an unchanged England team for the second Test against New Zealand that starts on Friday
Read more »