Fabricated quotation

Fabricated quotation

Several articles in the Indonesian press on Tuesday, June 24
and a page two story in The Jakarta Post (Thursday, June 26) draw
on an Antara report which referred to Alex Refialy, as "Head of
the East Timor Chapter of the National Commission on Human
Rights." Mr. Refialy's comments purported to be remarks made by
the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. John McCarthy, who is
currently in East Timor.

Ambassador McCarthy has advised me to inform you that these
alleged quotations are "a complete fabrication". He has said
nothing which remotely resembles the alleged remarks.

Indeed, the ambassador has noted the mood of unease and
discomfort in areas of the province and has expressed the hope
that the relevant authorities will exercise restraint in the
light of loss of life during earlier incidents.

MURRAY COBBAN

Australian Embassy

Jakarta