RI seeks E. Timor clarification

JAKARTA: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks a clarification on East Timor's call for an international tribunal against Indonesian Military (TNI) officials for human rights abuses.

Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda said on Monday that his officials had met with the East Timorese charge d'affairs for an explanation.

"The East Timorese official said he would confirm the reports with Dili and we'll wait for further information," he said.

East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri said last week that he was not satisfied with the ongoing ad hoc human rights tribunal against TNI personnel allegedly involved in the 1999 East Timor massacre and would thus call for an international tribunal.

Jakarta said the statement was "a concern", as it was contrary to both countries' stance in developing bilateral relations.

Hassan said his office would wait for a reply before following up with the matter. -- JP