New envoy not likely for a while

New envoy not likely for a while

By Meidyatama Suryadiningrat

UNGASAN, Bali (JP): Indonesia's President Soeharto and
Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating concluded their meeting
here yesterday with a mutual understanding that it will be some
time before a new candidate is chosen to fill Indonesia's
ambassadorial post in Australia.

"It'll be awhile but that's no problem, relations are running
well, they've got a charge there and it's working fine," Keating
said after the meeting, adding that Soeharto told him Indonesia
needs time to study its candidates.

"He said 'we'd (Australia and Indonesia) better get it right
this time'" Keating said citing the President.

The two leaders held a two-hour discussion at the plush Bali
Cliff Resort yesterday.

When he arrived at the scenic site of the talks, held in one
of the cliff-side bungalows, Keating was met by Soeharto, Foreign
Minister Ali Alatas, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono and the
President's special representatives for the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) forum, Bintoro Tjokroamidjojo.

Originally scheduled for 90 minutes, much of the two-hour
tete-a-tete focused on bilateral relations, particularly the
issue of the ambassadorial post, which Keating said was raised by
Soeharto himself.

Jakarta withdrew Lt. Gen. (ret.) H.B.L. Mantiri's nomination
as ambassador in Canberra in July after the Australian public
demanded an apology for remarks Mantiri made about actions taken
against demonstrators in Dili in 1991, when several dozen
protesters were killed in a clash with security forces.

Moerdiono, who later briefed Indonesian journalists, also
remained vague on when Jakarta would name a new nominee.

"The President explained to Prime Minister Keating that in not
too long a time he will make a decision on who will be chosen as
ambassador to Australia," Moerdiono said diplomatically.

He explained that suitable preparation was needed so the
nomination would not be burdened by complications.

He also indicated that Keating would likely welcome Jakarta's
choice. "Prime Minister Keating said that whoever is appointed by
the President, he would accept," Moerdiono said.

Keating said that Soeharto stressed the need for an ambassador
who can work for both sides.

"He said 'if we come to a conclusion that someone doesn't work
for both sides we'd withdraw him and appoint somebody else,
that's what I've done," Keating said quoting Soeharto.

Both Keating and Moerdiono underlined that the Mantiri affair
did not weaken the already solid relationship between the two
countries.

"My impression is that the problems that occurred in the past
left no scars on the two leaders," Moerdiono said while noting
the highly amicable atmosphere of the talks. "The two leaders
were seen chuckling away several times," he remarked.

Keating likened current diplomatic ties to a web whereby other
elements would keep it strong should one part be broken or need
repair.

When asked why the Mantiri affair exploded, Keating replied,
"these things just happen".

"I think the President and the government of Indonesia
intended that (by nominating) Gen. Mantiri they would pay
Australia a compliment by appointing a senior person," the prime
minister assessed.

Apart from the question of the ambassadorial post, Moerdiono
said other connected issues such as the flag burning and East
Timorese boat people in Australia were not discussed.

APEC

Other issues brought up in the meeting included the lingering
question of East Timor and recent events in Irian Jaya.

"When I raised these issues I raised them appropriately,"
Keating said, mentioning only the need to afford people their
respect and full rights.

However, Keating noted that Indonesia's tremendous economic
and social development have always been overshadowed by unrest in
East Timor.

About the upcoming APEC leaders meeting in Osaka, Moerdiono
said that both leaders noted the need for it to be a success and
continuation of last year's meeting in Bogor, West Java.

He added that they both agree that comprehensive trade
liberalization must be carried out thoroughly.

Keating said he had met several APEC leaders to ensure that
the meeting would be a success and expects that Soeharto will do
the same.

Asked if he would come again next year for a similar meeting
with Soeharto, Keating replied "probably" as he returned to his
hotel.

Keating, who arrived here Saturday night, is scheduled to
return to Australia this morning. (mds)

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