Wahono criticizes European Parliament

JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives Wahono has lodged a protest with the European Parliament for inviting Free Papua Movement (OPM) separatists to present their case.

The protest may set the stage for confrontation between representatives of the two legislative bodies when they hold their regular meeting in Europe next week.

In a two page letter, Wahono charged that the invitation to Irian Jaya secessionists amounts to the parliament's intervention in Indonesia's internal affairs.

OPM is an outlawed organization that seeks independence from the Republic of Indonesia and wages a campaign of terror to achieve its goal, Wahono said in the letter.

The invitation, he warned, encourages terrorism that will affect not only Indonesia, but also the rest of the world, Antara reported.

OPM rebels have been holding 11 people, including six European researchers, ransom since Jan. 8 to dramatize the organization's demand for international recognition of its cause.

The Indonesian government has involved the Geneva-based International Committee for the Red Cross in its efforts to peacefully end the drama but the prospect is uncertain.

The European Parliament's Feb. 23 invitation also evoked strong reaction from the Indonesian government. Last month, Foreign Minister Ali Alatas filed a similar protest, dismissing it as "interference in Indonesia's domestic affairs."

Wahono said that like any other country, Indonesia condemns terrorism, such as the abduction by the OPM rebels. The Indonesian House supports the government's policy to choose the "persuasive" approach to free the hostages.

He expressed appreciation for the European Parliament's concern about the kidnapping, but pointed out that by inviting the rebels it shows the parliament has developed a double standard on the issue.

"So far the European Parliament condemns terrorism and refuses to negotiate with terrorists," he said. (pan)