Diplomatic realism

Diplomatic realism

The Indonesian government's diplomacy in regard to East Timor
is entering a new phase of development. From the very beginning
it has appeared that this reform government has wanted to settle
the problem of East Timor through diplomatic means. For that
reason, the government has been working intensively by sending
out diplomats to discuss the issue on the official United Nations
forum and also, most recently, in tripartite talks involving
representatives of the UN and Portugal as well as of Indonesia.

For any country, foreign policy serves that country's national
interests. These exist in this context of such a thing as a
country's "core interest", which makes states willing to make
whatever sacrifice is necessary in order to protect that
interest. We are confident the majority of Indonesians will be
amenable to the idea of releasing East Timor and that it will not
offend their national pride. On the contrary, Indonesians have
long been concerned about the ill-treatment which their
compatriots have received in East Timor. Indonesian humanitarian
workers, such as doctors, have been mishandled or otherwise ill-
treated.

The government has taken a major decision that gratifies all
parties, including the majority of Indonesians. True, much work
remains to be completed -- by honorable means -- including
looking after the interests of those East Timorese who desire
integration with Indonesia. Their rights and aspirations must be
considered and a satisfactory solution for their problems must be
found.

-- Republika, Jakarta