East Timor Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Ramos-Horta has rejected to talk about Indonesia's assets in the country, with the reason being that the new nation lost much more than what the assets are worth.

The statement was made by Ramos-Horta a day after President Xanana Gusmao postponed his visit to Jakarta. If there had not been a delay, Xanana would have been in Jakarta for two days on May 30 and 31. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda's explanation was that the visit would be less than appropriate to be made now.

Wirajuda did not elaborate on what he meant by "less than appropriate" or "making the right time" for Xanana's visit. He only said that the delay was not related to a political issue.

The government cannot wait any longer. The statement by Ramos- Horta rejecting to return Indonesia's assets needs to be met with a stern response. Indonesia's assets cannot be compensation for East Timor's losses due to the riots after the popular vote.

These two things are entirely different matters. As for the outbreak of violence after the popular vote, which ended in allegations of gross violations of human rights, Indonesia is dealing with it through legal procedures. The cases of crimes against human rights, with a number of former senior officials from civilian and military circles standing accused, are before the court. The issue of assets, however, needs to be resolved with mutual negotiations. -Republika