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)