DATE=9/30/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COHEN / INDONESIA / L
NUMBER=2-254490
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=JAKARTA
CONTENT=
VOICED
INTRO: Defense Secretary William Cohen says the
Indonesian government realizes the success of the
country may hinge on how Jakarta deals with the crisis
in East Timor. Mr. Cohen's comments followed meetings
with Indonesia's president and military chief. V-O-
A's Jim Randle reports from Jakarta, where Mr. Cohen
called the reaction to his meetings "positive."
Text: Defense Secretary William Cohen told the head
of Indonesia's politically-powerful military the armed
forces must change course and contribute to a peaceful
solution in East Timor by disarming militias and
investigating charges the military participated in
serious human rights abuses in the troubled territory.
Pro-Jakarta militia groups and their military
supporters are blamed for a campaign of violence in
East Timor that left hundreds or perhaps thousands
dead and hundreds of thousands homeless. The violence
was aimed at people who supported independence for the
former Portuguese colony.
Mr. Cohen says he told General Wiranto that -- if the
military permitted or participated in further violence
in East Timor -- the forces would do severe damage to
the country they are sworn to protect.
/// COHEN ACTUALITY ///
They indicated they understood that the success of
Indonesia, itself, will be influenced in large measure
by how they conduct themselves, in dealing with East
Timor.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
Mr. Cohen says the U-S Congress and international
lending and aid organizations have put Indonesia on
notice further violence would jeopardize the flow of
international aid that is crucial to the country's
economic recovery.
U-S officials say General Wiranto promised to launch
an investigation of the military's role in East Timor.
/// COHEN ACTUALITY ///
I believe that they understand that there have been
some elements in the Indonesian military who have
supported, by active participation or indifference, to
the marauding militias or gangs. I think there was no
dispute about that.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
In remarks to Indonesian reporters, General Wiranto
denied charges the military was involved in efforts to
expel people from East Timor. He also said Jakarta's
forces recognize the problems in the troubled
territory and expressed a desire to cooperate with the
Australian-led peacekeeping force now operating in the
area. (signed).
Neb / wd
30-Sep-1999 04:26 AM EDT (30-Sep-1999 0826 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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