Benteng Reges

In Flores, a procession, three km long, recited the rosary, as per tradition, and called for the release of Tibo and his friends.

The bomb was discovered during a police raid on the house of an Islamic militant. There are investigations into possible recruitment of suicide bombers and into plans for more massive attacks.

Muslim-based parties have proposed a bill to apply Islamic law to all citizens of the Indonesian province. The proposal comes amid debate aimed at drawing up a new law to govern Aceh following the Helsinki peace accord.

Three years after sentence was handed down, the authorities have started technical preparations to carry out the punishment. The terrorists' imminent death will do nothing to further a positive outcome in the case of three Catholics awaiting execution in Palu.

In a meeting with Muzadi, chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama, Solana said he wanted to work for cooperation between Islam and the west. The EU diplomat also visited Banda Aceh.

The charge has been leveled by three Catholics on death row for their part in the clashes: "Now the police should investigate". One of those who should take the lion's share of blame is the ex deputy mayor of Poso, a province of central Sulawesi.

The Supreme Court has appointed a new group of judges to review the charges against Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da Silva and Marinus Riwu. The judges have said "execution should not be carried out while judgement is suspended: this would be a crime against humanity".

Well-known human rights campaigner Abdurrahman Wahid says the lives of Tibo and fellow prisoners should be spared. They are the only people sentenced to death for involvement in a conflict whose causes even the current head of state does not want to see elucidated. An NGO questions Susilo's moral integrity.

Fr Leonardus Mali made his offer to the president. University students have welcomed the initiative enthusiastically, launching a petition for Tibo and friends.

He made this request because he wants to question Tibo and another 10 alleged instigators of the violence in Poso. Christians are increasingly mobilizing in defence of the three men.

Indonesian civil society representatives have called on the president to clarify the "real reasons" behind the sentence and the "rigid" attitude of the Attorney General. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has yet to respond to a request for pardon.

Several human rights groups released a statement yesterday demanding that the death sentence imposed on Tibo and his co-accused be overturned; they also called for the abolition of the death penalty. Everyone is waiting for President Susilo's decision on a second appeal for pardon.