E. Timorese leaders welcome RI's Cabinet
E. Timorese leaders welcome RI's Cabinet
DILI, East Timor (AP): East Timorese leaders Friday welcomed
the inauguration of Indonesia's new government, but expressed
concern that the inclusion of military officials may hinder
efforts to prosecute those responsible for atrocities in the
territory.
East Timor's main human rights group, Yayasan Hak, said the
appointment of retired general A.M. Hendropriyono as the head of
the national intelligence agency was worrying because of his
links with East Timorese militia groups in 1999.
"He was known to have been present during meetings in East
Timor when the militia were established," said spokesman Joaquim
Fonseca.
Indonesia's new President Megawati Soekarnoputri installed on
Friday a 32-member Cabinet, made up of a mix of political party
figures and economic experts. It was welcomed by analysts and
financial markets who believe the combination will help bring
stability to the crisis-ridden nation.
In the past, Yayasan Hak has criticized Megawati's support for
pro-Jakarta militia during the 1999 independence vote. The group
says that her close military ties mean it is unlikely she will
bring to justice Indonesian generals responsible for
masterminding the violence.
"It is worrying for ... the process of democracy in Indonesia
that those generals who were part of a long-standing
authoritarian government are given new political roles," said
Fonseca.
But Mari Alkatiri, vice president of East Timor's largest
political party, played down the importance of Hendropriyono's
appointment, saying it was unlikely that he would remain in the
Cabinet for long.
"I hope (Megawati) follows the example of Gus Dur to get the
military out of politics," he said, referring to former President
Abdurrahman Wahid by his nickname.
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's appointment as chief security
minister was welcomed because of the former general's close ties
with East Timor's independence leader Xanana Gusmao.
"They have a good relationship. Maybe the security along the
border will improve," said David Ximenes, a former resistance
leader.