Moluccas: bomb blasts rip through Christian district
More than 51 people are reported to have been killed, and dozens seriously injured, in a series of explosions that took place in a in a busy shopping area in a Christian district of Ambon on Saturday. The explosions devastated a crowded market in the Christian neighbourhood of Mardika, in Ambon, the Missionary News Service report. The victims include several children, priests at the Diocesan Crisis Centre in Ambon told reporters. Many buildings were also badly damaged. At least 13,500 people have been killed since the conflict between Christians and Muslims in the Moluccas broke out in January 1999. Last February a peace deal was signed in Malino (Sulawesi) to end the violence. There are fears now that the accord could be in jeopardy.