New Zealand 'regrets' flag burning incident<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): New Zealand has formally expressed its regret to
\nJakarta about another incident on its home soil in which an
\nIndonesian flag was set on fire during an anti-Indonesia
\ndemonstration.<\/p>\n
\"The protesters say they are against the behavior of the
\nIndonesian government. However, what they have done insults all
\nIndonesians whatever their political point of view,\" Foreign
\nMinister Don McKinnon said in a statement released by his office
\nin Wellington on Friday.<\/p>\n
\"The Indonesian flag is a symbol of freedom and nationhood.
\nFor some 400 years Indonesia was subject to colonization and only
\ngained independence after a very costly struggle. Their flag
\ntherefore deserves respect,\" read the statement, a copy of which
\nwas made available by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
\nyesterday.<\/p>\n
The latest flag burning incident in Christchurch was the third
\nto have occurred in New Zealand in recent weeks.<\/p>\n
\"While I understand the aim of the protesters to ensure (that)
\nhuman rights are respected in East Timor, this sort of action
\nundermines the force of the government's representatives.<\/p>\n
\"In the last few weeks I have discussed our concerns about
\nhuman rights abuses in Irian Jaya and East Timor on two occasions
\nat the very highest levels of the Indonesian government.<\/p>\n
\"I will continue to do this, but burning the Indonesian flag
\nis inappropriate and counterproductive. It confuses the real
\nmessage.<\/p>\n
\"We need to maintain our relationship with Indonesia if we are
\nto convey New Zealanders' concerns,\" McKinnon said. (emb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/new-zealand-regrets-flag-burning-incident-1447893297",
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