DATE=9/30/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COHEN/JAKARTA (L)
NUMBER=2-254499
BYLINE=AMY BICKERS
DATELINE=JAKARTA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Defense Secretary William Cohen met with
political leaders and human rights activists in
Jakarta today (Thursday) to discuss the crisis in East
Timor. From the Indonesian capital, Amy Bickers
reports Mr. Cohen called on Indonesia's government to
rein in its military.
TEXT: Defense Secretary William Cohen issued a stern
warning to Jakarta Thursday.
/// COHEN ACT ///
Now the government and the military of Indonesia
face a choice. If they work towards a peaceful
solution in East Timor, if they investigate and
punish those who are guilty of improper
behavior, if they disarm the militia in West
Timor and prevent it from trying to destabilize
East Timor, they will help fulfill Indonesia's
national obligations and international
obligations. But if they fail to work for a
peaceful transition in East Timor by allowing
the violence to continue, then Indonesia's
interests will be hurt.
/// END ACT ///
Defense Secretary Cohen was speaking at a news
conference in the Indonesian capital after meeting
with Indonesian president B-J Habibie, Armed Forces
Chief General Wiranto and several other political
leaders. He also met with representatives of human
rights groups and international aid organizations.
Mr. Cohen said that in all his meetings, he stressed
that Jakarta needs to insure the security of the
refugees who fled the violence in East Timor. He also
said that the country's powerful military should be
firmly placed under the government's control.
The Secretary confirmed that bi-lateral relations with
the United States would not go back to normal until
the crisis in East Timor is peacefully resolved.
/// COHEN ACT ///
We have suspended all of our military programs
with Indonesia. I believe other governments
have passed resolutions that would stop the
exchange of that equipment, the transfer of that
equipment to Indonesia, so there is already
international action being taken. In addition
to the economic consequences, there is also the
question of investment in Indonesia and whether
it is seen as a stable, prospering economy
committed to free enterprise and democracy. The
international marketplace will also make a
determination.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Cohen says he remains concerned that the militias,
now in Indonesian West Timor, may be plotting to
attack the international peacekeeping force.
Earlier Thursday, a spokesman for the Indonesian
military indicated Mr. Cohen's call for the military
to stop human rights abuses was misguided, and
described Mr.Cohen's statement as false information.
(SIGNED)
NEB/AB/FC/BK
30-Sep-1999 08:21 AM EDT (30-Sep-1999 1221 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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