U.S., Aussies regret magazine ban<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The United States and Australian governments
\nyesterday expressed concern at the Indonesian government's
\ndecision to cancel the publishing licenses of the Tempo, Editor
\nand DeTIK news magazines.<\/p>\n
"The U.S. government strongly supports freedom of the press
\nthroughout the world," said the statement, read by Pamela Smith
\nof the U.S. embassy in Jakarta. "We therefore regret the
\nIndonesian government's decision to cancel the publication
\nlicense of three Indonesian journals," the statement said.<\/p>\n
In Canberra, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
\nGareth Evans was questioned about the ban, especially in view of
\nPrime Minister Paul Keating's plan to visit Indonesia next week,
\nduring a parliamentary hearing yesterday.<\/p>\n
"This is a very disappointing development indeed," Evans
\nresponded to the question posed by Alice Bourne of the Democrat
\nParty.<\/p>\n
Evans pointed out that until recently, Indonesia was actually
\non the brink of progressing towards a genuinely free and open
\npress, with the support and acceptance of the government.<\/p>\n
"(The decision to ban) is in sharp contrast to that trend so
\nfar as the media is concerned," he said.<\/p>\n
Evans stressed however that Keating's Indonesian visit would
\nnot be affected by the recent turn of events.<\/p>\n
He declined to speculate whether or not the magazine bans will
\nbe raised. "It will be for the Prime Minister's judgment as to
\nhow he chooses to convey our concerns on this or on any other
\ncurrent issue during his forthcoming visit."<\/p>\n
In Jakarta Minister\/State Secretary Moerdiono yesterday
\nconfirmed Keating's three-day visit beginning on June 27.<\/p>\n
Moerdiono said that although Keating will come primarily to
\nlend credence to the on-going trade and cultural program
\nAustralia Today Indonesia 1994, the prime minister will hold a
\nmeeting with President Soeharto during his stay.<\/p>\n
The two leaders will discuss bilateral issues as well as the
\nupcoming leadership meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic
\nCooperation (APEC) forum in November, Moerdiono said. (pwn\/mds)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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