On CFR's visit to Papua

On CFR's visit to Papua

I refer to the news item in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 29, 2002,
titled Foreigners denied entry to Papua.

Through its Center for Preventive Action, the Council on
Foreign Relations of New York (CFR), an independent non-
governmental organization, is preparing a report The Indonesia
Commission: Peace and Progress in Papua.

Your news story includes assertions that are factually
inaccurate. The CFR has been in contact with responsible
Indonesian government officials both in the United States and
Jakarta. Members of the Commission intend to visit Indonesia as
part of its efforts to prepare the Commission report. Though we
welcome discussions with all concerned, the private visit will
not, however, be made at the invitation of either the Indonesian
government or the Papua Presidium.

The Indonesia Commission does not endorse Papuan separatism.
It highlights strategies for parties to promote peace and
progress in Papua. The Commission's effort is in the interest of
all Indonesians including Papuans.

ADMIRAL DENNIS C. BLAIR, (U.S. Navy, retired) Chairman The
Indonesia Commission Center for Preventive Action Council on
Foreign Relations, New York