Indonesia rejects rebels' demand on Papua independence talks

Indonesia has rejected a demand by Papuan rebels to hold negotiations on their territory's self-determination.

Indonesia's top security minister, Wiranto, said Tuesday that the government will not open talks with those who have committed serious crimes. The comment follows a December 2 attack on a construction site that left at least 17 dead.

Sebby Sambom, the spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army, called on the government last week to agree to peace talks similar to ones that led to another province, Aceh, becoming semiautonomous, or to a "real referendum" on independence, as occurred in the former Indonesian territory of East Timor.

Wiranto, who goes by one name, said the group is trying to instil fear into people.