Timor forum for debate<\/p>\n
The agitation over the Mantiri case continues to reverberate
\nin both Indonesia and Australia. In Australia, the withdrawal of
\nthe nomination of the former chief of staff for general affairs
\nof the Indonesian Armed Forces as the Indonesian ambassador to
\nCanberra has caused a debate. The same is true for Jakarta.<\/p>\n
For us, the withdrawal of Mantiri's appointment to replace
\nSabam Siagian is no longer a problem. Everything is clear. What
\ndoes attract our attention is the persistence of the East Timor
\nissue, which has turned out to be a formidable weapon which can
\nmake things difficult for Indonesia on the international forum. A
\nhandful of East Timorese in Australia have such a great influence
\non the opposition that neither Prime Minister Paul Keating nor
\n(Foreign Minister) Gareth Evans have been able to defend Mantiri.<\/p>\n
When we talk about East Timor, however, our diplomacy abroad
\nneeds to be taken into consideration. For many years the East
\nTimor issue has not been on the agenda of the United Nations
\nGeneral Assembly. The efforts to settle the East Timor issue are
\nundertaken through a special channel under the coordination of
\nthe UN Secretary-general. This channel, however, is working too
\nslowly because it is not feasible for the Secretary-general to
\nspeak about East Timor all the time.<\/p>\n
Our diplomats abroad must have the courage to open a forum for
\ndebate and dialog with East Timorese residents. The East Timorese
\nlobby abroad must be studied. Only in this manner will it be
\npossible for us to launch a counter diplomacy.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/timor-forum-for-debate-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }