Accountability key to restore military ties: U.S.

Accountability key to restore military ties: U.S.

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The top U.S. military officer in the Pacific has praised
Indonesia's ongoing democratization process, but warned that
improved defense ties would depend on the Indonesian Military's
internal reforms.

Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific
Command, applauded the success of the recent amendments to the
1945 Constitution, calling them "historic signs of reform" as it
ensured the exclusion of the Indonesian Military (TNI) from the
country's lawmaking bodies.

He also praised the country for its cooperation in the global
war on terrorism and recognized the TNI's role in ensuring peace
and security in the region.

"I think terrorism is a very tough problem ... I think
Indonesia is on the right track and we appreciate the
cooperation."

Fargo said the U.S. and Indonesia had began the process of
improved military ties, but warned that future cooperation would
depend on reform of the TNI.

"The future progress will depend on the TNI continuing to
transform itself into an institution that fully represents the
democratic principles of this great nation," Fargo said.

The U.S. suspended military ties with the TNI in 1999
following TNI-backed violence that swept through East Timor after
the former Indonesian province voted for independence.

Legal proceedings against 18 military, police and government
officials, allegedly involved in the bloody violence, are being
closely scrutinized internationally.

So far the U.S. has considered the proceedings satisfactory.
However, on Thursday the ad hoc human rights tribunal cleared
former East Timor police chief Brig. Gen. Timbul Silaen and five
middle-ranking security officials of all charges.

It was not immediately clear whether the recent developments
will influence the U.S. as it tiptoes towards normalizing
military cooperation. The verdict was announced a few hours after
Fargo's press briefing.

On Wednesday, the court sentenced former East Timor governor
Abilio Jose Osorio Soares to three-years jail for human rights
violations.

When asked to comment on the ongoing ad hoc tribunal, the
commander said that it would be inappropriate to do so.

"But obviously a large part of our efforts is to encourage
accountability and reform. Certainly we believe that a
professional military is one that adheres very closely to
civilian control of the military, to human rights and to the rule
of law," he said.

Fargo was appointed to lead the largest unified command of the
U.S. armed forces in May 2002 and is on his two-day visit to
Jakarta.

During the visit, Fargo met foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda,
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono and Minister of Defense Matori Abdul Djalil.

He also held meetings with President Megawati Soekarnoputri
and is scheduled to fly back to his base in Hawaii on Friday.