RI won't meddle in E. Timor force choice: Wiranto<\/p>\n
SINGAPORE (Agencies): Indonesian Coordinating Minister for
\nPolitical Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto said on Saturday that
\nIndonesia would not interfere in the choice of which country
\nleads the United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor.<\/p>\n
Indonesia \"will not interfere in the choice of leader of the
\npeacekeeping force,\" Wiranto told reporters in Singapore during a
\nbrief visit, part of his overseas farewell trip as the Indonesian
\nMilitary's chief to neighboring member states of the Association
\nof Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).<\/p>\n
\"For the peacekeeping force in East Timor, the choice of
\ncommander does not depend on Indonesia, but depends on the UN
\nitself,\" he said, as quoted by Reuters<\/p>\n
But Indonesia \"will give suggestions to the UN on who is the
\nbest choice,\" he added, without specifying any country.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's close ally Malaysia has indicated its willingness
\nto lead such a force. Australia currently commands the
\ntransitional International Force for East Timor (Interfet), which
\nwill be replaced by the UN peacekeeping operation.<\/p>\n
While East Timorese independence leaders have expressed
\nreservations about Southeast Asian nation commanding the force,
\nIndonesia has repeatedly indicated its preference for regional
\ninvolvement in such operations.<\/p>\n
Australia's current role in East Timor has soured relations
\nwith Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Turning to the Indonesian Military's future role, Wiranto said
\nit would not be limited to security issues only.<\/p>\n
The military will continue to \"perform several roles in
\ndefense to help bring about peace and prosperity for its people,
\nin line with national building and national development,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
\"This is a wider role and not focused only on the political
\nrealm,\" he added.<\/p>\n
The military's dual role in both politics and security is a
\nbone of contention for many advocates of political reform in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
When asked whether the government will consider a referendum
\non the political future of Aceh, a province of the northern
\nSumatra island which has been racked by separatist violence for
\nyears, Wiranto said the government needed time to look at the
\nissue.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Wiranto was presented
\nwith a Malaysian military gallantry award.<\/p>\n
The medal was presented by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad,
\nthe official Bernama news agency reported.<\/p>\n
While in Kuala Lumpur, Wiranto described security in Indonesia
\nas being gradually restored with the installment of a new cabinet
\nfollowing the presidential election on Oct. 20.<\/p>\n
\"Peace is gradually being restored and we can now concentrate
\non some kind of economic development truly needed by the
\ncommunity,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Wiranto said Indonesia's new Cabinet was a mix of almost all
\nthe major parties and non-governmental organizations.<\/p>\n
\"In terms of ethnicity, the new Cabinet also upholds the
\naspirations of the various ethnic groups in Indonesia. It means
\nthere is no opposition in Indonesia,\" he said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-wont-meddle-in-e-timor-force-choice-wiranto-1447893297",
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