RI-E. Timor military ties unlikely

JAKARTA: The former military emergency commander in East Timor, Lt. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri, said here on Friday that psychological constraints would hamper efforts to promote military relations with the new state of East Timor.

"In other fields, such as politics, the economy and culture, relations can be readily developed. But in military cooperation and relations, I think there will be psychological constraints," Kiki said.

He pointed out that he had been involved in numerous battles with both East Timor Armed Forces commander Matan Ruak and president-elect Xanana Gusmao, when the Indonesian Military (TNI) was fighting separatist groups in the territory.

"During an operation in Matebean, my troops engaged in armed clashes with Xanana Gusmao a few times," he said.

Kiki said he believed Indonesia and East Timor might some day enjoy good military relations, following the development of a political relationship between the two nations.

He also agreed that Xanana Gusmao was in a good position to understand the "spirit" of the Indonesian people and state. -- Antara