Cohen reaffirms RI-U.S. frienship

JAKARTA (JP): Visiting U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen said yesterday that Indonesia was a friend of the United States and deserved help to get out of its economic difficulties.

Addressing a media conference after completing visits to President B.J. Habibie, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto, Cohen said Washington would like to help Indonesia settle the year-old crisis.

"I want to demonstrate that we are a friend and friends try to provide assistance both in good and bad times," he told dozens of local and foreign journalists.

"I also want to demonstrate that we are concerned and want to be helpful in any fashion that we can," he said at the Armed Forces Headquarters after meeting Wiranto.

He said his current visit was designed to show to Indonesia's leaders and general public that America was concerned about the situation in Indonesia.

"Indonesia is a very important country. It has importance ... well beyond its borders. What takes place in Indonesia will have an impact throughout the region itself," he said.

"Regional security is important to many countries, including the United States," he added.

He dismissed speculation that the U.S. was seeking to establish military bases here.

"No, the purpose of (my) coming here is to reaffirm the U.S. friendship with Indonesia," he said.

Cohen was the first member of the U.S. cabinet to visit Indonesia since Habibie became President in May.

This was his second visit to Indonesia this year. He last came to Jakarta in mid-January when Soeharto, who resigned on May 21, was still in power.

Cohen said he was "encouraged" to see what is now taking place in Indonesia and pleased with Habibie's commitment to implementing democratic reforms in order to rebuild the economy.

"President Habibie has a strong commitment to placing human rights at a very high level of concern," he said.

He pointed to the need to continue with reform and to seek ways to stabilize the economy "to move the country toward a democratic government", and to stick to the timetable for holding a general election next year.

Cohen also urged the Armed Forces (ABRI) to conduct a transparent investigation into human rights abuses allegedly committed by its soldiers.

"Noting that several investigations into rights abuses are underway, it's important that such investigations be carried out openly, honestly and with integrity," he said.

"And if that's done, (the Indonesian government) will enjoy the support of the people and the commendation of the world community," he added.

Eleven members of the elite Army Special Force (Kopassus) have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of a number of political activists. They will soon be tried by a military tribunal.

A separate military tribunal is trying two police officers for involvement in a shooting incident in which four student protesters were killed. The deaths ignited riots that ultimately led to Soeharto's downfall last May. The two officers are currently awaiting the military tribunal's verdict.

Cohen said he and Wiranto did not discuss the suspension of American military training for Indonesian officers in May, but expressed hope that military cooperation would be expanded again in the future.

"For now, U.S. military cooperation will be limited to humanitarian endeavors and logistical support," he said.

Cohen said he was very encouraged by the recent developments in East Timor and expressed his hope that Indonesia would continue its efforts to resolve the prolonged conflict in the territory.

In an earlier meeting with Alatas, Cohen said the U.S. expected that next week's talks between Indonesia and Portugal in New York would bring about a solution.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas did not rule this possibility out after meeting Cohen at his office yesterday, but qualified it by saying: "I told him that it will depend on Portugal's attitude."

He also said he presented the detailed aspects of Indonesian proposals which will be tabled at the meeting. (imn/prb)