Howard, Megawati boost Indonesia-Australia ties<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia solidified their
\nbilateral commitment here on Monday when leaders of the two
\ncountries issued a joint communique underlining that their
\nnational interests and stability were intertwined.<\/p>\n
In the joint communique, Australian Prime Minister John Howard
\nand Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri stressed the need
\nto advance ties through \"practical cooperation in a wide range of
\nfields.\"<\/p>\n
\"The Prime Minister reaffirmed Australia's support for
\nIndonesia's territorial integrity and unity, noting that
\nAustralia's national interests are closely linked to Indonesia's
\nstability and prosperity,\" the communique said.<\/p>\n
Coupled with former president Abdurrahman Wahid's visit to
\nCanberra in June, Howard's visit here as the first world leader
\nto meet President Megawati represents a strong basis for the
\nblossoming of ties battered after the East Timor debacle in 1999.<\/p>\n
In the communique Howard not only pledged Australia's
\nbilateral support as Indonesia faces social and economic
\nchallenges, but also Canberra's advocacy for Indonesia in
\ninternational fora.<\/p>\n
While not retracting Australia's position on the East Timor
\nissue, Howard, who faces reelection soon, has made mending fences
\nwith Indonesia a priority.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian archipelago which looms north of Australia is
\nseen as key for that country's security, something that was not
\nlost on either Howard or Megawati.<\/p>\n
\"The two leaders emphasized the significance of continued
\ncooperation to deal with irregular people movement and
\ntransnational crime,\" the communique said.<\/p>\n
On the sensitive issue of separatism in Irian Jaya and Aceh
\nprovinces the two leaders stressed the importance of dialog,
\nrespect for human rights and the need for special autonomy.<\/p>\n
Despite the thorny diplomatic ties, other aspects of the
\nrelationship remain positive. Two-way trade grew 25 percent over
\nthe past year to a record level of A$6.4 billion (US$3.71
\nbillion).<\/p>\n
While the 15-point, 3-page communique itself was elaborate and
\nHoward expressive, Megawati during the joint press briefing in
\nwhich no questions were permitted, only sounded a brief cliche on
\n\"strengthening ties between the two countries for the future.\"<\/p>\n
Howard later in the day told journalists that future ties
\nshould be \"based on positive realism ... This government deserves
\nsupport and understanding.\"<\/p>\n
He added that the 40-minute meeting with the President and the
\ncommunique \"points the way to a more realistic and certainly wise
\nrelationship.\"<\/p>\n
Howard also met with People's Consultative Assembly Speaker
\nAmien Rais and House of Representative's Speaker Akbar Tandjung
\nbefore returning home on Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Separately Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda said
\nthat Megawati during the summit talks had also pointed to a new
\npresidential decree on an adhoc tribunal which would try
\nperpetrators of human rights violations which occurred in East
\nTimor.<\/p>\n
\"The President underlined that the Indonesian government was
\nserious in dealing with the cases. The Prime Minister warmly
\nwelcomed the good intention,\" Hassan said, adding that there was
\nno pressure from Australia over the issue. (dja\/tnt\/bby)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/howard-megawati-boost-indonesia-australia-ties-1447893297",
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