RI won't meddle in E. Timor force choice: Wiranto
RI won't meddle in E. Timor force choice: Wiranto
SINGAPORE (Agencies): Indonesian Coordinating Minister for
Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto said on Saturday that
Indonesia would not interfere in the choice of which country
leads the United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor.
Indonesia "will not interfere in the choice of leader of the
peacekeeping force," Wiranto told reporters in Singapore during a
brief visit, part of his overseas farewell trip as the Indonesian
Military's chief to neighboring member states of the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"For the peacekeeping force in East Timor, the choice of
commander does not depend on Indonesia, but depends on the UN
itself," he said, as quoted by Reuters
But Indonesia "will give suggestions to the UN on who is the
best choice," he added, without specifying any country.
Indonesia's close ally Malaysia has indicated its willingness
to lead such a force. Australia currently commands the
transitional International Force for East Timor (Interfet), which
will be replaced by the UN peacekeeping operation.
While East Timorese independence leaders have expressed
reservations about Southeast Asian nation commanding the force,
Indonesia has repeatedly indicated its preference for regional
involvement in such operations.
Australia's current role in East Timor has soured relations
with Indonesia.
Turning to the Indonesian Military's future role, Wiranto said
it would not be limited to security issues only.
The military will continue to "perform several roles in
defense to help bring about peace and prosperity for its people,
in line with national building and national development," he
said.
"This is a wider role and not focused only on the political
realm," he added.
The military's dual role in both politics and security is a
bone of contention for many advocates of political reform in
Indonesia.
When asked whether the government will consider a referendum
on the political future of Aceh, a province of the northern
Sumatra island which has been racked by separatist violence for
years, Wiranto said the government needed time to look at the
issue.
Earlier on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Wiranto was presented
with a Malaysian military gallantry award.
The medal was presented by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad,
the official Bernama news agency reported.
While in Kuala Lumpur, Wiranto described security in Indonesia
as being gradually restored with the installment of a new cabinet
following the presidential election on Oct. 20.
"Peace is gradually being restored and we can now concentrate
on some kind of economic development truly needed by the
community," he said.
Wiranto said Indonesia's new Cabinet was a mix of almost all
the major parties and non-governmental organizations.
"In terms of ethnicity, the new Cabinet also upholds the
aspirations of the various ethnic groups in Indonesia. It means
there is no opposition in Indonesia," he said.