Indonesia accepts UN statement on East Timor
Indonesia accepts UN statement on East Timor
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas accepted
a statement on East Timor issued by the chairman of the United
Nations' Commission on Human Rights yesterday.
The statement expressed concern over alleged human rights
violations, but acknowledged and welcomed steps taken by
Indonesia to address the problem.
A copy of the statement, which will be read out at the
conclusion of the commission's meeting in Geneva today, was
distributed at a media briefing held by Alatas at his office
yesterday.
"The chairman's statement is acceptable because its contents
are balanced," Alatas said, noting that it recognized Indonesian
efforts to improve recognition of human rights in the former
Portuguese colony.
At the Geneva meeting, Indonesia succeeded in scuppering a
resolution drafted by the European Union which was critical of
Indonesia's handling of East Timor.
As in previous meetings, a chairman's statement was issued in
place of a resolution.
East Timor, whose integration with Indonesia is not recognized
by the United Nations, has been on the commission's agenda for
many years. Jacob Selebi from South Africa chaired this year's
meeting.
Through the statement, the commission called on Indonesia to
promote human rights in East Timor through various undertakings,
including the early trial and release of detained and convicted
East Timorese citizens. The commission also reiterated the need
"for further clarification of the circumstances surrounding the
Dili incident of 1991."
The statement acknowledges progress made, including:
* the near conclusion of a memorandum of understanding between
Indonesia and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights on a technical cooperation program, and Indonesia's pledge
to allow a program officer access to East Timor.
* the role played by Indonesia's National Commission on Human
Rights in promoting and protecting human rights in East Timor,
and the continued access to the territory granted to the
international media.
* Indonesia's invitation to the human rights commission
working group on arbitrary detention to visit East Timor.
* Indonesia's decision to launch a national plan of action on
human rights this year, and its intention to ratify the UN
convention against torture this year.
Alatas took the opportunity yesterday to lash out at Portugal
for hosting a meeting of East Timorese leaders living in exile
this week, saying that the move undermined the UN-sponsored All-
Inclusive East Timor Dialog involving East Timorese leaders for
and against integration.
The Lisbon meeting, he said, would only serve to further
polarize the East Timorese leaders, he said.
By hosting and funding the meeting, Portugal undermined its
claim that it did not support Fretilin, Alatas said referring to
the East Timorese separatist group which is waging a guerrilla
war against Indonesian troops. (rms)