U.S. diplomat families return to Indonesia<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
As security conditions in the country continue to improve, the
\nUnited States allowed on Friday family members of U.S. diplomats
\nto return to Indonesia, after they had been ordered to leave last
\nyear following the Bali bombings.<\/p>\n
The State Department warned, however, that the country was
\nstill not safe for Americans and that its citizens should defer
\nnonessential travel here.<\/p>\n
\"We are expecting as early as next week to start welcoming
\nfamily members of U.S. diplomats working here,\" said embassy
\nspokesperson Greta M. Morris.<\/p>\n
Around 200 family members and nearly 300 nonessential
\ngovernment staff were pulled out of the world's most populous
\nMuslim country after terrorist attacks on the famed resort island
\nlast October killed 202 people, mostly foreigners.<\/p>\n
Nonessential staff were also told this month they could
\nreturn.<\/p>\n
Morris said the U.S. government took notice of efforts made by
\nthe Indonesian government in ensuring security for its embassy
\nand other interests.<\/p>\n
\"The U.S. government considered that the Indonesian government
\nhas been taking serious measures on protecting U.S. facilities
\nand its citizens, and that the Indonesian government has taken a
\nfirm action against terrorism,\" Morris said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia, previously criticized for dragging its heels in the
\nwar on terror, has won widespread praise for its investigation
\ninto the Bali attacks. So far, 29 men have been arrested in
\nconnection with the case.<\/p>\n
In another sign of solid progress, police this week said they
\nhad captured a man they identified as the new spiritual leader of
\nthe Southeast Asian terror network, Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), and
\nhad arrested 17 more JI members.<\/p>\n
The U.S. State Department also downgraded its travel advisory
\nfor Indonesia this week, saying American citizens should defer
\nall nonessential travel to Indonesia, instead of all travel.<\/p>\n
Friday's announcement said there was still a risk of strikes
\nby JI and other groups on Americans or American interests in the
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Thursday that
\nIndonesia had finally awakened to the threat of terrorism within
\nits borders.<\/p>\n
The United States imposed fierce pressure on the government of
\nPresident Megawati Soekarnoputri to crack down on terror suspects
\nafter launching its war on terrorism after the September 11
\nattacks, and redoubled its efforts after the Bali bombing.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/us-diplomat-families-return-to-indonesia-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}