Timor forum for debate

Timor forum for debate

The agitation over the Mantiri case continues to reverberate
in both Indonesia and Australia. In Australia, the withdrawal of
the nomination of the former chief of staff for general affairs
of the Indonesian Armed Forces as the Indonesian ambassador to
Canberra has caused a debate. The same is true for Jakarta.

For us, the withdrawal of Mantiri's appointment to replace
Sabam Siagian is no longer a problem. Everything is clear. What
does attract our attention is the persistence of the East Timor
issue, which has turned out to be a formidable weapon which can
make things difficult for Indonesia on the international forum. A
handful of East Timorese in Australia have such a great influence
on the opposition that neither Prime Minister Paul Keating nor
(Foreign Minister) Gareth Evans have been able to defend Mantiri.

When we talk about East Timor, however, our diplomacy abroad
needs to be taken into consideration. For many years the East
Timor issue has not been on the agenda of the United Nations
General Assembly. The efforts to settle the East Timor issue are
undertaken through a special channel under the coordination of
the UN Secretary-general. This channel, however, is working too
slowly because it is not feasible for the Secretary-general to
speak about East Timor all the time.

Our diplomats abroad must have the courage to open a forum for
debate and dialog with East Timorese residents. The East Timorese
lobby abroad must be studied. Only in this manner will it be
possible for us to launch a counter diplomacy.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta