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.