Thailand concerned at tension in Indonesia<\/p>\n
BANGKOK (Agencies): Thailand said on Thursday it was deeply
\nconcerned about political tension in Indonesia and hoped for a
\nquick resolution to preserve regional stability.<\/p>\n
Foreign ministry spokesman Norachit Sinhaseni said in a
\nstatement that Thailand was worried that Indonesia's troubles
\ncould destabilize the rest of the Association of Southeast Asian
\nNations (ASEAN).<\/p>\n
\"Thailand is deeply concerned with the tense political
\nsituation in Indonesia, which could lead to political violence
\nand instability that will inevitably affect the ASEAN region,\"
\nthe statement said.<\/p>\n
Indonesian legislators began moves on Wednesday to call for a
\nspecial session of the People's Consultative Assembly to demand
\nPresident Abdurrahman Wahid account for his administration's
\nperformance.<\/p>\n
Thousands of his supporters have gathered in Jakarta and there
\nhave also been violent clashes involving his followers in his
\npolitical heartland, East Java.<\/p>\n
Concern is growing that the political crisis will fuel a
\nworsening spiral of violence.<\/p>\n
The ministry statement said: \"Thailand supports Indonesia's
\nefforts in finding a resolution of the political strife in
\naccordance with the constitutional process.\"<\/p>\n
It is rare for ASEAN nations to comment on the political
\naffairs of their neighbors -- the group has a policy of non-
\ninterference in the internal affairs of other members.<\/p>\n
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
\nMyanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.<\/p>\n
\"Indonesia is an important member of ASEAN and has always been
\ninstrumental in her contribution in maintaining peace and
\nstability in this region,\" the Thai statement said.<\/p>\n
\"As a member of ASEAN, Thailand wishes to see a quick return
\nto political normalcy which will be essential for long-term
\nstability. The success of the democratization process in
\nIndonesia and progress in economic reforms will contribute to the
\nadvancement of the region.\"<\/p>\n
Meanwhile in Washington, the United States on Wednesday again
\nurged Indonesia to solve its political crisis peacefully, warning
\nthat the coming proceedings represented a crucial test for
\nJakarta's young democracy.<\/p>\n
State Department spokesman Philip Reeker told reporters that
\n\"the United States hopes to see Indonesia achieve a timely
\nresolution of the political crisis, ideally in a way that
\npromotes reconciliation and effective governance in Indonesia.\"<\/p>\n
In a statement late on Tuesday, the State Department warned
\nthat Indonesia was facing a \"crucial test\" of its democracy.<\/p>\n
\"It is difficult to exaggerate the importance for Indonesia's
\nfuture of avoiding violence or incitements to violence. We call
\nupon its leaders to exercise statesmanship and restraint,\" the
\nstatement said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/thailand-concerned-at-tension-in-indonesia-1447893297",
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