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