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