UN rights body drops E. Timor resolution<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): For the first time ever, a United Nations sub-
\ncommission on human rights rejected a draft resolution on East
\nTimor, the Antara news agency reported.<\/p>\n
The UN's Human Rights sub-commission against discrimination
\nand the protection of minorities in Geneva, Switzerland, on
\nFriday by secret ballot failed to adopt a resolution which would
\nagain subject Indonesia to criticism towards the integration of
\nEast Timor into the Republic.<\/p>\n
\"We are happy to be able to foil the attempts of anti-
\nIndonesian groups,\" said Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat, the head of
\nthe Indonesian delegation, in Geneva following the vote.<\/p>\n
The resolution titled Situation on East Timor actually
\nresulted in a draw with 11 for and 11 against.<\/p>\n
\"According to the rules, if a ballot ends in a draw then the
\ndraft resolution cannot be adopted,\" Soemadi said at the end of
\nthe sub-commission's 46th session.<\/p>\n
The UN Human Rights Commission in its annual meeting has
\nregularly criticized Indonesia for alleged abuses in East Timor.<\/p>\n
However a fervent diplomatic campaign has succeeded in toning
\ndown the Commission's attitude towards the issue of Indonesia's
\nyoungest province.<\/p>\n
Soemadi revealed that this year's resolution was sponsored by
\na British representative and supported by representatives from
\nFrance and the United States.<\/p>\n
Soemadi also said the various Non-Governmental Organizations
\nand the head of the East Timor independence movement overseas,
\nRamos Horta, also played a troublesome role in facilitating the
\nwhole affair.<\/p>\n
Victory was twice as sweet in Geneva as another unfavorable
\nresolution on Indonesia was also rejected. The resolution which
\ntouches on the issues of Aceh, Maluku and Irian Jaya separatist
\nmovements was defeated by a clear margin of 14 to seven.<\/p>\n
The Antara report did not say which countries initiated the
\ntwo resolutions against Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Evaluating his recent diplomatic success, Soemadi said it
\nsignified a positive step forward and contributes to the
\ntripartite talks sponsored by UN Secretary General Boutros-
\nBoutros Ghali between Portuguese and Indonesian foreign ministers
\nearly next year.(mds)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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