Habibie `sorry' for army action

Jakarta - Indonesian President B.J

Jakarta - Indonesian President B.J. Habibie yesterday apologised for human rights violations by soldiers in the troubled province of Aceh, hours after troops opened fire with rubber bullets on pro-independence demonstrators.

His statement came hours after security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a protest by students demanding a referendum on the future of Aceh and a trial for soldiers responsible for criminal offences.