Military

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

INDONESIA: "Peace Necessary To Implement East Timor Deal"

In the view of leading, independent Kompas (5/7): "At this point, the New York Accord faces a tough test, namely a conflict between warring East Timorese parties that ceaselessly attack one another. We are concerned that deadly flare-ups will characterize the process toward referendum. How can that be avoided? We suggest that the UN immediately execute its plan to deploy personnel in East Timor to help the Indonesian police maintain security and order."

"East Timor's Future"

The leading, independent, English-language Jakarta Post told its readers (5/7): "There is no turning back now for Indonesia. The best it can do is carry out the duties it has accepted with honor and dignity, and hope its claims of East Timorese loyalty to Indonesia will be proven correct in a fair and honest ballot."

"New Stage For East Timor Settlement"

Nationalistic tabloid Rakyat Merdeka asserted (5/7): "Above all, whatever is done must be for the best of the East Timorese and the people of Indonesia in general. Indeed, Indonesians have never been asked about their views on East Timor. Somehow, the Habibie administration must also learn how the people from Sabang (Indonesia's western extreme) to Merauke (eastern) want to resolve the East Timor issue."

"East Timor Poll Preparations"

Ruling Golkar Party's Suara Karya maintained (5/6): "Whatever their impressions and views, statements from the two conflicting factions [in East Timor] merit attention. People tend to sympathize with, and pay more attention to, smaller groups while ignoring the bigger ones. Moreover, larger groups may be suspected of intimidation. Hopefully, UN observers will...be objective, and not treat the bigger group like a stepchild if the group wants integration. A lack of objectivity on the part of UN observers will...only extend the conflict--or incite a civil war."

"Nearer To A Solution"

The government-oriented, English-language Indonesian Observer offered (5/6): "Given the explosive nature of the situation, we should ask the government to exercise caution in admitting so many countries to act as representatives of a UN civil police. This will only lead to confusion...causing greater problems. Indonesia must show it is determined and that it is prepared to play a fair game in trying to find a reasonable solution that will guarantee permanent peace in this troubled area."

"East Timor Policy Causes Havoc"

The leading, independent, English-language Jakarta Post pointed out (5/5): "Military Commander General Wiranto was perhaps right when he appealed to the warring factions [in East Timor] to make known the peace accord to all supporters in villages, mountains and forests. On paper this may be possible, but on a practical level no one is sure that it can be easily achieved.... First, there should be an awareness that the idea of winning and losing has to be abandoned and replaced.... Second, there is a need for awareness on the part of the warring parties that conflict is an integral part of human relations that does not have to be violent.... Third...the military [should] halt whatever support it renders to the pro-integration faction.... The accord is indeed a historic document and provides ground for new hope and conditions in the territory.

"But no one knows whether all East Timorese [ascribe] to the peace conveyed in the document. If this is not the case, the East Timor peace accord will definitely lead to no peace, and the question of what peace really means for the people of East Timor will remain unanswered, even after they have chosen one of the options."

"Security Precautions For East Timor Polls"

Independent Suara Pembaruan commented (4/29): "There is a question about whether polls can run smoothly, safely, and without political flare-ups and violence. This question is directed at Indonesia, and at the security apparatus in particular. First, all conflicting factions must be disarmed as they enter the cooling off period to avoid mutual suspicion, provocation, and attacks. Second, the UN, Indonesia, and the five supporting countries (the United States, Germany, the Philippines, Japan and Australia) must have time to prepare the polls.... Third, polling itself must be considered the best, most practical way to ensure democratic results."

"East Timor Polls Timetable"

Ruling Golkar party's Suara Karya held (4/29): "[In addition to possible friction between Indonesian and UN police], another matter demanding our attention is the polling day, August 8.... That leaves rather a short preparation time, does it not? Foreign Minister Alatas says that everything, from voter education to vote compilation, will be carried out by the UN.... Yet, is it not necessary to publicize the contents of the government's autonomy proposal? Doing so will certainly not be easy. It must be translated into the Tetum language and explained simply in that language by government officials.... [With the Indonesian government busy with the general election until mid-June], can voter education in East Timor be completed in only six weeks' time? If the East Timorese do not fully understand what the special autonomy offers, they will be easily persuaded to reject it. This is what we need to think about."

"A Little Help From Friends"

The leading, independent, English-language Jakarta Post asserted (4/28): "A lot still needs to be done to ensure that the August vote takes place in a peaceful environment. At the moment, the security situation in East Timor is far from ideal.... At this very delicate stage of the process, Indonesia will need all the help it can get from other countries. The government should drop all pretensions that it can do the job alone. It should stop hiding behind sovereignty principles, preventing other countries' giving assistance. East Timor has always been an international problem and the international community should share the burden of bringing about a resolution.... Indonesia should not hesitate to ask for help, including in disarming the militia, if it cannot do the job alone. At a time like this, any offer of help from Indonesia's friends is important. But even more important is for Indonesia to be more open and honest about what it can and cannot do."

"Concrete Steps Toward A Democratic East Timor Settlement"

Leading independent Kompas pointed out (4/26): "The predominant view [here] is that UN troops are not yet necessary, as long as Indonesian troops are capable and committed. In this respect, both the Dili Accord and General Wiranto's order to disarm those outside the police and army corps are sound actions. Whether these efforts lead to a peaceful, democratic settlement in East Timor depends on the extent to which [East Timorese] leaders--with all their differences--seriously agree upon peace...for the region."

"Good News From Dili"

Independent Media Indonesia's editorial concluded (4/22): "Peace may just be a piece of paper....

"We know that not all East Timorese support independence, just as not all East Timorese support integration. It becomes an overriding issue if only one of the two truths is heeded. Indonesia's image will suffer if the international community views pro-integration groups as a [government] fabrication. That will also be the case if Indonesia perceives pro-independence groups as a provocation. The resulting ongoing dilemma will only lead to bloodshed.... To escape the dilemma, peace is the obvious first choice. Peace is a kind of 'sine qua non': absolutely vital to undertaking any alternative. This is the significance of the peace efforts initiated by Bishop Belo and General Wiranto."

"East Timor Peace Agreement"

Independent afternoon Suara Pembaruan held (4/21): "The accord clearly shows Indonesia's assumption of responsibility, and a role, in East Timor's reconciliation.... Indonesia must encourage the [conflicting] parties without provocation or manifestation of envy or hatred in preparation for the cooling period. Indonesia--and especially the armed forces, which have thus far been under international scrutiny--must remain neutral, provide protection and avoid repressive acts.... We also call on other parties to restrain themselves from interfering in internal affairs, which--as Australian Prime Minister [John] Howard has implicitly underscored--are fundamentally Indonesia's responsibility. To some extent, the peace accord denotes a firm determination to extract the region from its protracted conflict."

"Special Autonomy And Hope For Peaceful Solution"

Leading, independent Kompas held (4/21): "We note that the National Commission on Human Rights is going to call for UN peacekeeping troops in East Timor if the conflict intensifies and the number of victims...continues to escalate. This idea is sensible.... If we really want to settle the East Timor question peacefully, all policies and actions must be fully committed to fulfilling this good intention without any hesitation."

"UN Presence Would Embarrass Habibie, Wiranto"

The government-oriented Indonesian Observer emphasized (4/21): "As Secretary of State Albright said yesterday, the United States agrees to a UN presence in East Timor. Such an idea has been floating around ever since it became obvious the military was not able (or did not wish) to deal with the problem. At this point, a UN presence would not only be embarrassing to President Habibie, it would also be a slap in the face of [General] Wiranto as the country's top military officer."

"More Problems In East Timor"

The leading, independent, English-language Jakarta Post asked (4/20): "With so many failed attempts to keep the peace, why do the Indonesian Armed Forces [ABRI] continue to reject the suggested presence of UN troops? It is quite understandable if Indonesia sees East Timor as an internal matter.... However, the province has become ABRI's Achilles' heel. The government should heed the presence of the newly established East Timor Independent National Commission on Human Rights.... If the commission proves unable to resolve the situation, the military and the government will have no reason to reject the presence of UN troops. The authorities should realize that they are now being tried by world public opinion."

"No Balkanization Of Indonesia"

In the editorial view of the government-oriented, English-language Indonesian Observer (3/1): "It is high time for Habibie to do away with the repressive policies of the previous government, and to build up new relations with our brothers in Irian Jaya, East Timor and Aceh. This would enable us to stick together as one nation and march toward a glorious future.

"We have a strong feeling that the majority groups in these territories prefer to go along with Indonesia rather than choose independence and face the danger of civil strife. It may be well to listen to the advice of...Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer when he declared in Singapore recently that Indonesia should take steps to prevent a Balkan-like breakup of its archipelago, and learn from its mistakes in East Timor."

AUSTRALIA: "East Timor--Now For Peace"

The liberal Sydney Morning Herald had this view (5/7): "One of the reasons to hope that this [UN-brokered] agreement can succeed is that it ends Jakarta's closed-door policy on East Timor. UN civilian police officers will go to East Timor to advise on security, UN security guards will be deployed there to protect UN personnel, and international observers wil monitor the August ballot. In other words, the eyes of the world will not only be on East Timor, but inside it for the first time in decades to make sure things go smoothly. If they do, it will represent a victory for common sense, for years of patient international diplomacy, but most of all for the courage and determination of the East Timorese people."

"What About The East Timorese?"

The liberal Melbourne Age pointed out in an editorial (5/7): "The signing in New York...culminated 15 years of negotiations. But what of the reality in East Timor? Were these more than hollow words between two colonizers of a people for so long dispossessed that freedom is an alien concept to them?... There is a sense in which the grand diplomatic gestures half a world away at UN headquarters have set the scene for failure. Indonesia is pushing ahead with a process which at this point seems almost doomed to produce a result that will merely foster further chaos in that troubled place."

"Timor Process Deeply Flawed"

The liberal Canberra Times told its readers (5/4): "East Timor faces the most dangerous period in its history since the original Indonesian invasion in 1975. While Indonesia has accepted a vote on autonomy on August 8 and pledged to provide a safe atmosphere for its conduct, doubt is rapidly becoming certainty that a free and fair vote is doomed. This is despite the best efforts of the UN, Portugal, the United States and Australia. While the vote is now certain to happen, it will be amid tremendous upheaval and intimidation. The escalating pattern of killings and threats by the pro-Indonesian militias have displaced thousands from their homes, and created a pervasive atmosphere of fear. Even if the killings subside before the vote, there will be pressures behind the scenes. Militia leaders have threatened widespread reprisals, indeed war, if the people reject autonomy. In that event thousands more are likely to die.... The basic problem is that the autonomy process itself is fundamentally flawed. It will further inflame, rather than resolve, the conflict."

"Eyes On East Timor"

The liberal daily Canberra Times held ( 5/1): "After the UN deal is signed on Wednesday, the world will watch closely as both sides in East Timor are called upon to lay down arms and the Indonesian army to play a neutral role. Australia has so far achieved about as much as it could have hoped with our unpredictable neighbor; now we can only watch and hope."

"Cautious Hope For East Timor"

The liberal Canberra Times' lead editorial maintained (5/1): "The fruits of the summit between Prime Minister John Howard and his Indonesian counterpart, B. J. Habibie, are real, but they should not be exaggerated. Yes, it is good to see Mr Howard making his presence felt in the foreign policy arena.

"Yes, he was right to pledge $20 million in cash and kind to help the peace process along, and yes, perhaps his mere presence on the ground has pushed Indonesia towards an adoption of a UN-sponsored disarmament document fractionally more promptly than it might otherwise have done. But no one should imagine that all will be smooth sailing from now until the promised August 8 vote on autonomy. Though no one would wish it, there is scope for plenty to go wrong. The militias may decline to disarm. The Indonesian military may decline to adopt the neutral role which is so essential to a successful vote on autonomy or independence--not to mention essential to the safety of Australian and other police officers co-opted to supervise the August vote."

"Prime Minister Propels Timor Onto World's Stage"

The national Australian (4/29) had this to say: "The commitment of President Habibie to the UN-negotiated autonomy package for the province...carries with it his promise that security will be guaranteed before and after the vote. That security will be aided by police from six countries: Australia, the United States, Japan, Germany, the Philippines and Britain. Thus, the conflict in East Timor has been internationalized. If there is any backsliding, it will be a broad coalition of nations, not only Australia, that will be pressuring Jakarta.... Indonesia cannot be allowed to walk away from its responsibility to the future of East Timor."

"Safeguarding The Timor Ballot"

According to the business-oriented Australian Financial Review (4/29): "The [Australia-Indonesia] summit has cleared a path for a significant international presence in East Timor in the run-up to the August decision on the future of the disputed province. The challenge for the Australian government is to grasp the opening from President B.J. Habibie and ensure that the international presence is of sufficient size and weight to deter the more adventurous members of the Indonesian armed forces from disrupting the ballot.... Many countries are keenly seeking an advisory role in the Indonesian national election, because of the greater economic significance to those countries. However, they should all extend the assistance to the more messy East Timor situation. It will be a test of Australia's interlocutor status with the United States to get a serious American presence at a time when the Clinton government is preoccupied with its Kosovo engagement."

"A Vital Role For Australia"

Melbourne University academic, Howard Dick penned this comment for the national, business-oriented Australian Financial Review (4/27): "On East Timor, Australia should support President Habibie's initiative to invite observers from the United States, Germany, Japan, the Philippines and Australia to supervise the forthcoming referendum.... Australia can play a vital intermediary role by joining with Washington to restrain the armed forces. We will need a tremendous amount of good luck, but the risks of not acting boldly are far greater."

"Timor--A Kosovo On Our Doorstep"

The liberal Melbourne Age featured this op-ed piece (4/21) by former Prime Minister Bob Hawke: "Most Australians will be looking with sadness at the unfolding tragedy in Indonesia.... Australia has a vested interest in developments in that nation of more than 200 million people, our largest, most immediate neighbor. Substantial and sustained economic growth in recent years up to 1997, while accompanied by the accumulation of obscene wealth by Soeharto and his cronies, had seen significant improvement in the standard of living of most Indonesians. But the cement provided by generally rising standards and diminished poverty has been broken, and we are faced with the real possibility of an implosion in Indonesia. Ethnic, religious and political tensions are stretching the national fabric to breaking point, with flashpoints in Aceh, West Kalimantan, Irian Jaya and East Timor.

"It is clear that acquisition of territory by force, as in the case of East Timor, cannot guarantee either the right or the capacity to retain that territory."

"No More Talk; It's Time To Get Tough"

In the business-oriented Australian Financial Review, commentator Brian Toohey insisted (4/20): "A far more urgent diplomatic effort should go into convincing the Indonesian government to stop sponsoring terrorism in East Timor. Given the precedents in Kuwait and Kosovo, there is no good reason why diplomatic pressure should not be backed with the threat of force.... An intense effort should be made to impose international sanctions on Indonesia until it disarms its paramilitary forces and withdraws all its troops from East Timor. And applying the principles adhered to in Kuwait and Kosovo, some added persuasion would be provided by a U.S. carrier force in the Java Sea."

"UN Intervention Essential, Now"

The liberal Canberra Times intoned (4/20): "It is essential that the UN intervene in East Timor at the earliest opportunity. Australia must do everything possible to facilitate such an outcome. For, in the absence of international action, a bloodbath will almost certainly take place on our doorstep. All the signs point to tragedy."

PHILIPPINES: "Balkans In Our Neighborhood"

The independent Manila Times stressed (4/12): "The oppressed Muslims and ethnic Albanians in Kosovo and other parts of the Balkan peninsula were lucky to have affluent neighbors who are concerned about their plight.... In Indonesia's neighborhood, there is nothing comparable to the United States and NATO's involvement, certainly not the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).... ASEAN's policy of non-interference has stymied its neighbors from even commenting on what is happening in Indonesia. ASEAN should have learned a lesson the financial crisis that almost wiped out the region's economies.... The time has come for ASEAN to adopt a more 'flexible engagement' policy to address not just regional concerns, but...internal problems that could ultimately affect the region. ASEAN should not abdicate this responsibility. Outside powers are eager to pounce on the region's weaknesses as well as the confusion and disunity that periodically rocks it."

SINGAPORE: "Terror In East Timor"

The pro-government Straits Times judged (4/27): "It is...not surprising that the pact brokered by ABRI chief General Wiranto last week, to end the hostilities between the pro- and anti-independence groups in East Timor, was flouted before the ink was dry. It was never a peace deal to start with, because no one was really serious about it. Nothing was done to disarm the two sides, which are bent on destroying each other to achieve their goals. Disarming the militia is necessary because there is no other way to prevent more bloodshed.... Given the circumstances, UN monitors are needed to make sure that the Timorese are free to choose what they want in August. Ideally, an international peacekeeping force could be sent in to prevent violence."

THAILAND: "Jakarta's Reputation Hinges On Timor Role"

In the view of the independent, English-language Nation (4/17): "Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have decided to join the informal group set up by Annan to assist him on the issue of Timor.... ASEAN, with its peacekeeping and humanitarian experiences in Cambodia, should help if the grouping would like to play a role in the troubled province. By acquiescing to the participation of the three countries, Indonesia has gradually allowed some ASEAN members to take part in the East Timor issue....

"This is a big challenge for ASEAN, which has recently reviewed its role and relevance in the 21st century. Certainly, ASEAN does not want to upset the delicate situation in East Timor by asserting itself. But there is no denying that ASEAN cannot sit idle without any reaction to developments that are so crucial to the grouping's future. If East Timor becomes independent, it would certainly join ASEAN. If that is the case, there should be some preparation by the ASEAN Secretariat. But the ASEAN headquarters cannot proceed without permission from its members, especially Indonesia, which is hosting the Secretariat."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Landmark Accord"

An editorial in Bangalore's left-of-center Deccan Herald declared (5/7): "The signing of an accord between the Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and his Portuguese counterpart, Jaime Gama...on the future of East Timor marks a major step forward for democracy in the region.... Tension between the two sides will probably continue because disarming the militias is next to impossible. Yet, in the circumstances, the UN has been wise in not acceding to the demand of independence supporters for a peacekeeping force, which would have deeply offended the Indonesians. But it will be participating actively in preparations for the voting, which will be monitored by international observers. The path ahead will be rough as Indonesia, battling to keep its unity and integrity, struggles to give the East Timorese a fair deal."

"Indonesia's Predicament"

An editorial in Hyderabad-based, right-of-center Newstime judged (4/27): "There are inherent dangers in the secession of a part of a country, no matter what the circumstances. This point has been graphically brought home by the recent events in East Timor, where bloodshed and rioting continue despite the promise of the Indonesian government that it is prepared to consider granting considerable autonomy or even full independence to the province once ruled by Portugal.... Apart from the ethnic and cultural differences between the people of East Timor and those of the rest of Indonesia, the general dictatorial mode of General Soeharto's rule precluded any talk of autonomy or democratization. It was only after B.J. Habibie took over as president that the rethinking started in earnest, but he is obviously finding it difficult to reconcile the contradictions built up over more than three decades of Indonesian rule."

"Silver Lining"

The Bangalore-based, left-of-center Deccan Herald emphasized (4/23): "The signing of an accord between [East Timorese independence leader Xanana] Guzmao and the pro-Indonesia Unity, Democracy and Justice Forum committing themselves to a peaceful resolution...concerning the political future of East Timor is a positive development. While the accord makes no mention of disarming of the guerrillas or the militias, it is a step forward by both sides to defuse the immediate tension. At the political level, the government of President B.J. Habibe has taken an important political step, too. Legislation providing for the wide-ranging autonomy to Indonesia's provinces has been passed in parliament.... However, if these political steps by Jakarta as well as the accord signed between warring factions in East Timor are to instill any confidence among the people of East Timor, they must be matched with significant action on the ground. It is here that the Indonesian army has a big role to play. It should stop arming and training paramilitary groups in East Timor. There is little faith among the locals in the neutrality of the military or even the government, and it is here that the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's suggestion for a Peace and Stability Commission acquires relevance."

"Time For Action In East Timor"

An analysis in the centrist Hindu maintained (4/22): "The logical course of action now seems to be to establish a UN Commission for Peace and Stability in East Timor, bring the situation under control, ascertain the will of the people on their future and then go ahead with building a suitable structure. In its present crisis, Indonesia cannot afford to continue with fire-fighting operations...indefinitely.... An early and credible general election may be the harbinger of peace in the troubled country. But the law and order situation has to improve to ensure a free and fair poll.... Obviously, Indonesia cannot handle all these problems and processes on its own."

NEPAL: "What To Do About East Timor"

In the editorial view of government-owned Gorkhapatra (4/24): "Jakarta seems to be moving ahead in accordance with the UN initiative to prevent fresh fighting.... Today, Indonesia is found in the mood even to grant independence to East Timor, if need be.... Surely, the UN will not be a silent spectator in the East Timor crisis as it has been in Kosovo.... If unrest spreads in Indonesia...it will be difficult to controi it.... The constitutionality of the continuation of the Habibie presidency is also in question.... Opinions are afloat that the general election should be held as soon as possible, in order to support Habibie's claim as the rightful successor to Soeharto, who resigned under public pressure.... General elections are also essential for peace and stability.... Peace and order have to be re-established first to hold 'direct elections.'"

EUROPE

PORTUGAL: "Defending One's Principles In Kosovo, East Timor"

Regular columnist Vasco Rato said in rightist weekly Independente (5/7): "When NATO initiated its actions against against Serbia, with the objective of putting an end to ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, some voices were raised to say that Portugal should not have helped out in Yugoslavia, since the Atlantic Alliance had not carried out military action in East Timor. In disagreeing with this thesis, we continue to defend [the position] that the participation of Portugal contributed to reinforcing our diplomatic position in the negotiations that led to the Timor Accord. Lisbon acted n Kosovo in the name of the same principles that it had always defended for [East] Timor. If we had refused to participate in stopping ethnic cleansing in Europe, would we have any legitimacy to continue to defend action designed to put an end to violations of human rights in [East] Timor? It is not likely.... Participation in Kosovo turned out to be an important element in the defense of our national interests."

KAZAKHSTAN: "Legacy Of Totalitarianism"

Official Kazakh-language Yegemen Kazakhstan argued (3/26): "It is the fault of the government that the situation has worsened so deeply.... Very often particular political forces use such situations for their own political purposes. In Indonesia, supporters of Soeharto...describe the current situation as a lack of a strong [hand]. But...one can understand that the conflicts are the result of the former totalitarism. And we hope the conflicts will be restricted to a few regions and not spread over the [entire] nation."

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5/7/99

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