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.