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)