RI did not request ban on Horta: Alatas

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday said Jakarta had nothing to do with Manila's decision to bar East Timorese separatist leader Jose Ramos Horta from entering the Philippines during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting.

"You know that it was a decision taken by the Philippines government themselves," Alatas said.

Alatas welcomed Manila's decision.

Manila recently said "national security" was why it was barring Horta from entering the Philippines during the APEC meeting which will be attended by Indonesia's President Soeharto and 17 other heads of government.

The leaders' meeting is scheduled for Nov. 25, after ministerial and senior officials' meetings.

Various non-governmental organizations will hold a parallel meeting during the APEC leaders meeting.

In 1994, Jakarta was very upset when activists in Manila planned to hold an international conference on East Timor and asked the Philippines government to put a stop to it.

The Philippines and Thailand, are the bases of strong action groups opposed to Indonesia's 1976 integration of the former Portuguese colony of East Timor.

"I am asserting that this time we did not ask for anything. Maybe in the past we did but not this time," Alatas said, referring 1994.

Nevertheless, according to Alatas, Manila realized the potential embarrassment of the planned activities which have nothing to do with APEC.

"Apparently the Philippines government, even President Ramos himself, realized the importance of a successful APEC meeting and it not being disturbed by people who not only want to embarrass Indonesia but the host as well," he said.

APEC is an economic forum which comprises Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. (mds)