Washington should mind its own business

Washington should mind its own business

A United States congressman delivered a strong message to
Indonesia a few months ago. Now Indonesia has sent back an even
stronger message to Washington by canceling an order for U.S. jets.

President Soeharto cited Congressman Patrick Kennedy's
criticism of Jakarta's human rights record on East Timor when
informing U.S. President Bill Clinton of the decision. He also
turned down an offer of U.S. military training. No one disputes
that Mr. Kennedy has every right to visit East Timor. He also has
every right to criticize Indonesia's human rights record. But
there is a difference between criticism and direct interference.
When congressmen go into a country and start to encourage one
political camp or another, that constitutes interference.

A lot of countries, including China and India, have accused
Washington of interfering in their internal affairs. The leaders
of these countries appreciate that the U.S. has a certain role to
play in maintaining stability in this region. But this does not
give Washington the right to tell other governments how to run
their own countries and what values they should adopt or give
emphasis to.

Meanwhile, the relationship between Washington and countries
such as Indonesia has taken on a new look.

Third World nations no longer tremble when the United States
threatens to use economic sanctions. Now the boot is on the other
foot. Because of their growing economic strength, some of these
countries can use economic weapons such as investment aid and
trade against Washington. There are also many other sources for
arms purchases available to them than there were during the Cold
War era.

With this in mind, Mr. Soeharto has told Washington, in
effect: We still want to maintain good relations with you. But
please butt out of our internal affairs.

-- The Hong Kong Standard