East Timor Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Ramos-Horta

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