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.