Fatal shooting sparks tough words

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia traded tough words on Monday as they reproached one another over the fatal shooting of an Indonesian police officer in Sunday's mix-up over the East Timor border.

Foreign Minister Ali Alatas on Monday said the death of Pvt. Hari Sudibyo should be regretted.

"Even though what really happened is still being investigated, the incident should be deeply regretted," Alatas told journalists at Merdeka Palace.

"Even if this was a result of an accident, because of a difference in maps, I still think it's strange because how could Interfet which is supposedly equipped with such sophisticated equipment make such a mistake," he said referring to the Australian led International Force for East Timor (Interfet).

"I hope this does not have long term repercussions. And I hear both sides are going to investigate the incident".

It is still unclear as to what exactly happened on Sunday afternoon.

Indonesia claims that Interfet troops were confused on the exact location of the border and attacked an Indonesian border post in the area.

Australia claims that their forces were still within East Timor and that they were shot at first.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) on Sunday said that a company of Interfet troops breached the Indonesian border and attacked a border post near the Montael area.

A policeman died and two others were injured.

This is the first direct clash between Indonesian and Interfet forces.

TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sudradjat also blamed the incident on Interfet troops. He said the Indonesians returned fire only after they were showered with bullets.

Hari Sabarno, chairman of the TNI/National Police faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) also condemned the attack.

"There could have been more casualties on our side if we hadn't returned fire," he said.

He further criticized Interfet for failing to recognize the Indonesian post. "The Australian force was only 200 meters from the post. They must have known, using binoculars, that it was an Indonesian military post," he asserted.

Meanwhile in Dili, East Timor, the commander of Interfet troops Maj. Gen. Peter Cosgrove was furious at Indonesian forces accusing them of "villainy" for allegedly firing at his troops.

"There is no question that the place we were at was well inside East Timor," he said.

"To be fired at when you are a good 600 to 800 metres inside East Timor is just an act of villainy," Cosgrove was quoted by DPA as saying.

Meanwhile in Canberra, Prime Minister John Howard told the Australian parliament on Monday that he was calling for urgent high-level talks with Indonesia following Sunday's incident.

"We're seeking urgent high-level discussions in Dili and Jakarta to agree on measures to reduce the chances of similar incidents in future near the East Nusa Tenggara border," he said as quoted by Reuters.

"The government regards the incident in the most serious terms," Howard said.

"It shows that some elements in TNI may be disregarding the terms of the UN Security Council... and continuing to support militia groups." (prb/05)