Alkatiri begins visit, calls for int'l tribunal

Alkatiri begins visit, calls for int'l tribunal

Agencies, Jakarta

East Timor Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri began his working visit
to Jakarta by reiterating his call for an international tribunal
to try Indonesian military officers for alleged human rights
violations in the former Indonesian province.

Speaking upon departure to Jakarta on Tuesday, he reaffirmed
his support for a tribunal but emphasized he would not bring it
up in his meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on
Wednesday unless she broached the subject first.

"The United Nations has an obligation to establish an
international tribunal in a neutral country," he said as quoted
by Associated Press before flying to Jakarta for a four-day
visit.

"If Megawati wants to discuss the comments I made before about
the tribunal, then I will discuss them in detail," he said.

"But my mission in Indonesia is not to talk about the justice
system. My mission is to talk about bilateral cooperation and
border issues."

Alkatiri arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on
Tuesday evening.

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Marty
Natalegawa said that Alkatiri's statement was confusing as the
prime minister had earlier said he would not request such a
tribunal.

"I was perplexed by the comment, but I cannot say whether the
issue will be raised in the meeting with President Megawati," he
told The Jakarta Post.

Earlier, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan
Wirayuda said it was possible that the President would ask
Alkatiri to clarify his statement.

It was reported earlier this month that Alkatiri called the
ongoing human rights tribunal, formed to try 18 Indonesians
officers and civilian leaders, "theatrical" after 13 of the
defendants were acquitted.

The defendants were tried for their alleged roles in the 1999
violence following the separation of East Timor from Indonesia.

Marty said that the statement contradicted an earlier
understanding of both governments to have forward-looking, close
ties, despite the painful separation.

"Our principle is to adopt a forward-looking approach and
close ties with East Timor, which is reflected in the prime
minister's visit," he said.

Alkatiri is slated to meet Megawati on Wednesday, when the two
leaders are to witness the signing of agreements on border
crossings and traditional markets.

He is also scheduled to meet other Indonesian officials,
including House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung and
People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais.

It will be Alkatiri's first visit to Jakarta as prime minister
of East Timor. He is known for his harsh stance against
Indonesia, especially concerning human rights issues.