Alatas, Ayala discuss human rights
Alatas, Ayala discuss human rights
JAKARTA (JP): United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jose Ayala Lasso, held talks with Foreign Minister Ali Alatas here yesterday on methods to improve the respect and protection of human rights in Indonesia.
"We have analyzed the different reports of human rights institutions and we have coincided in the need for everyone to do his or her best to continue improving human rights around the world and, in this case, Indonesia," Ayala Lasso said after the meeting.
Ayala Lasso said the concerns "which I have raised (during the meeting) are those mentioned in the United Nations and certainly questions relating to East Timor."
Ayala Lasso arrived on Saturday evening for a five-day visit, which includes a two-day visit in East Timor, on the invitation of the Indonesian government. He will depart for Dili later today.
Ayala Lasso would not reveal his specific concerns about human rights in Indonesia, saying he would elaborate more at the end of his trip.
"I must state to all of you that I have not come here as an investigation mission. I have come here as a High Commissioner for human rights whose only purpose is to promote and protect human rights," he said.
The 53-member board of the UN Commission on Human Rights has often criticized Indonesia in its reports concerning East Timor.
Earlier this year they issued a report expressing concern over the continuing human rights violations in East Timor.
The former Portuguese colony of East Timor was integrated into Indonesia in 1976. The UN, however, still recognizes Lisbon as the administrative power there.
The UN Secretary General is sponsoring talks between the Indonesian and Portuguese foreign ministers to find an internationally acceptable solution to the East Timor question.
Ayala Lasso is scheduled to meet jailed Timorese separatist leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, members of the National Commission of Human Rights, various non-governmental organizations and senior government officials.
Xanana is currently in his third year of a 20-year jail sentence for leading a separatist rebellion.
Ayala Lasso will talk with Catholic Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo and Governor Abilio Soares in East Timor.
"I have received the most open cooperation of the government for me to see whomever I want," Ayala Lasso said. (mds)