In Indonesia, the fate of a South Korean hostage is still not known. He is among 16 hostages held by a separatist rebel group in Indonesia's easternmost province of Irian Jaya.

Local police tried to negotiate their release, but couldn't make contact with the Free Papua Organization as it refused talks retreating further into the forests.

The 12 workers were employed by the Korindo timber company run by a South Korean. They were kidnapped by members of the separatist movement Thursday afternoon while returning home after logging.

Four more workers... all Indonesian... were abducted the following day while trying to negotiate the release of their colleagues.

Indonesian officials say the rebel group sent a letter protesting Indonesian authorities' demand to lay down arms.