U.S. ties depend on rights action

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia should show its seriousness in dealing with past human rights abuses which allegedly involved its military personnel before the United States can resume full military ties, a U.S. official said on Friday.

"The U.S. very much wants to have a good relationship with Indonesia's military but our Congress has put some limitations on us that would have to do for the accountability for some things that have happened in the past," visiting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs James Kelly said on Friday.

The U.S. imposed a military embargo on Indonesia following the mayhem that erupted in the former province of East Timor in 1999. It has gradually resumed relations but so far the U.S. has only assisted with non-combat military equipment.

Kelly underlined that the penalties imposed on suspects linked to the murder of three humanitarian aid workers from the United Nations in September last year, were not proportionate with the crime committed.

In a press statement previously issued by the U.S. Embassy, Kelly said that the TNI is being made responsible for some of the past problems as well as the future solution, which "poses a real dilemma".

"Without a doubt, we are not going to be able to, and have no plans to open the gates for across-the-board support of the Indonesian military. That is a problem," Kelly said.

Kelly said that the purpose of his visit was to convey messages from president George W. Bush and vice president Dick Cheney regarding the smooth transition of Indonesia's national leadership.

He is the second senior U.S. official to visit Indonesia after Trade Representative Robert Zoellick met President Megawati Soekarnoputri to convey Washington's strong support for her.

Megawati is scheduled to visit the U.S. on Sept. 19. to meet President Bush and address the United Nations General Assembly. (dja)