Wiranto-Xanana talks played down

JAKARTA: A human rights activist said former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto would be unable to influence the legal process against him in East Timor despite his unprecedented meeting with the neighboring country's president Xanana Gusmao on Saturday.

Xanana's former lawyer and chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) Hendardi said on Sunday the talks between the two former foes was a political move related to Wiranto's bid for the presidency.

"The right to justice lies entirely with the East Timorese people, not with Xanana or other political leaders," Hendardi said.

The UN-assisted Serious Crimes Unit in East Timor has refused to review its arrest warrant for Wiranto for his alleged role in the 1999 mayhem in East Timor. -- JP