October 1, 1999 EAST TIMOR: REACTION TO COHEN, HOWARD, HUMAN RIGHTS INQUIRY

October 1, 1999

EAST TIMOR: REACTION TO COHEN, HOWARD, HUMAN RIGHTS INQUIRY

In the run-up to the opening session today of Indonesia's parliament--the People's Consultative Assembly--editorialists in Asia and Europe had a great deal to say about the rapidly unfolding events associated with East Timor over the past eight days. In contrast to commentary filed previously--in which certain themes, such as the perceived need to intervene quickly on behalf of the pro-independence East Timorese, galvanized writers around a single issue--most recent editorials focused on a range of subjects. High on the list of topics discussed were Defense Secretary Cohen's visit to Jakarta this week, Australian Prime Minister Howard's remarks on his country's security role in the region, the UN Human Rights Commission's vote in Geneva on Tuesday to launch an inquiry into possible human rights abuses in East Timor and the continuing problems facing Interfet forces as they carry out their mission. Following are major themes:

COHEN'S REMARKS AND 'WESTERN PRESSURE': Perhaps not surprisingly, available Jakarta dailies interpreted Secretary Cohen's "warning" to Indonesia that it could face sanctions if it did not attempt to disarm the militias as a "further step in the West's conspiracy...to pressure Indonesia." In Australia and New Zealand, however, dailies viewed Mr. Cohen's visit as "vital," since, in the words of Wellington's moderate Evening Post, "Indonesia must...listen to the U.S. because of the clout [Washington] can exert, financially and militarily." Rome's left-leaning, influential La Repubblica feared that, in the wake of Mr. Cohen's "message," the "diplomatic atmosphere [between the U.S. and Indonesia] is destined to deteriorate."

REACTION TO THE 'HOWARD DOCTRINE': Opinionmakers in Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan, Britain and France weighed in with views on the so-called "Howard Doctrine" in which the Australian prime minister referred to Australia's playing the role of "deputy" to the U.S. in terms of regional security. Asian writers tended to endorse the view expressed by Jakarta's independent Berita Buana, which saw Mr. Howard's "political attitude" as indicating "an emerging spirit of white imperialism" in Asia. London's liberal Guardian countered that, if Asian leaders "claim to detect a reviving colonialism...they have only themselves to blame," adding that "Asian countries..[had] prevaricated, ducked and appeased throughout the Timor crisis." In Australia, editors expressed a range of opinions. Some acknowledged that if Asians "took the message at face value," it would "turn against Australia," and others arguing that, although the metaphor of "U.S. deputy" was "unfortunate," at least Mr. Howard was articulating a foreign policy "based on national interest and liberal democratic values."

UNHCR INQUIRY: Notably--and in contrast to the Indonesian media's defensive reaction to Mr. Cohen's statements on East Timor--dailies in Jakarta reacted to the UNHCR vote by acknowledging the "gravity of the human rights violations in Indonesian territory." Leading, independent Kompas stressed that "acts of violence and repression against the public can no longer be deemed domestic concerns." Even Muslim intellectual Republika, which has ascribed to the "Western conspiracy line" in previous weeks, contended that Indonesia had "used the rules of war" against the Timorese populace and that "such militaristic practices...must end."

EDITOR: Kathleen J. Brahney

EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 59 reports from 19 countries, September 24 - October 1. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

INDONESIA: "U.S. Threat Toward Indonesia"

Pro-government, Islamic-oriented Pelita said (10/1): "Cohen's statements represent an indicator and a further step in the West's conspiracy and scenario to pressure the Indonesian government and people. His message only reinforces existing pressure by adding a few concrete issues to justify the actions undertaken to pressure Indonesia. It is ironic that the pressure and threats grow stronger precisely as Indonesia acquiesces to many of the West's demands, especially concerning East Timor, human rights and democracy. We cannot deny that rapid developments in these areas have been achieved during the Habibie administration."

"Change In West's Attitude Toward Indonesia Is Extreme"

Independent afternoon Berita Buana indicated (9/30): "U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen warned that Indonesia will face diplomatic and economic sanctions from its allies if it does not provide broad civilian authority to rectify the military's behavior. This is the latest threat to us from a senior foreign official. We have seen a common change of viewpoint about Indonesian policies on the part of the international community, and especially the West. We view it as extreme and no longer friendly."

"Commission Of Inquiry On Human Rights Violations In East Timor"

Independent afternoon Suara Pembaruan said (9/30): "What having foreign troops in East Timor signifies is shameful for us. Now, the UNHCR is dispatching a team to East Timor to investigate human rights violations. Indonesia must view this resolution seriously, despite the damage to our dignity caused by the appearance of Indonesia as an uncivilized nation. The nature of the mission is somewhat different from the UNHCR teams sent to Rwanda and Bosnia. Even so, the team's formation demonstrates the gravity of the human rights violations in Indonesian territory."

"The Language Of Military Diplomacy"

Muslim intellectual Republika held (9/30): "Since Australia entered East Timor under an Interfet flag, the international community has used military language in its diplomatic messages to Indonesia.... We have always used a military approach to East Timor, not only when helping East Timorese fighters wishing to integrate with Indonesia, but also after the East Timorese...chose independence. Our forces continue to use the rules of war, which are familiar to militaries everywhere.... It is such militaristic practices that must end."

"Resolution Of UN Human Rights Commission"

Ruling Golkar Party's Suara Karya opined (9/30): "Whatever UNHCR's reasons for holding a session on East Timor, we must follow the proceedings to ensure the neutrality of the International Commission of Inquiry (ICI). Concerns include whether it bases its work solely on media reports or whether it conducts thorough field investigations; whether it focuses only on violations by pro-integration militias and the Indonesian military (TNI), or also on those by pro-independence groups and Interfet. We agree with TNI Spokesman Sudrajad and Foreign Minister Ali Alatas that the ICI must bring forensic experts, lawyers, and military experts. The ICI should also cooperate with the Indonesian human rights body, or at least use the latter's findings as a reference."

"Guns Into Plows"

The government-oriented English-language Indonesian Observer (9/30): "It is time that the Indonesian Military (TNI) distanced itself from the these two warring parties because they only tend to create more adverse publicity for the TNI.... If they are wiser, the proposed geographic split of the troubled territory is a better solution.... Reaching the idea through negotiations and diplomatic activities will give more time for the East Timorese to concentrate their activities on positive projects.... Let the outcome of the referendum be the start of a new life for the East Timorese. Let there be an end to the burning of houses and buildings as well as the killing of people."

"International Commission Of Inquiry To Be Established Soon"

Leading independent Kompas held (9/29): "Strong Indonesian diplomatic efforts were seemingly unable to change the UN decision. In Jakarta, U.S. Secretary of Defense Cohen...will urge the Indonesian government to help the International Commission of Inquiry complete its job. Surely, there is still time for the Indonesian people to do something to avoid being further cornered. Indonesia can display a cooperative attitude and a genuine will to promote human rights, encourage democratization and avoid environmental damage.... Acts of violence and repression against the public can no longer be deemed domestic concerns. As part of the issue of human rights, brutality and violence toward civilians anywhere have caused concern, and, as the Bosnia and Kosovo crises show, even interference by the international community."

"The Fate of Pro-Integration Groups"

Ruling Golkar Party's Suara Karya stated (9/29), "Military leaders have considered all possible risks, including armed conflict with Interfet. The fate of East Timorese who support integration must be the first priority. This should go hand-in-hand with pressure on Interfet to consider the rights of pro-integration East Timorese."

"On U.S.-Indonesian Relations"

The government-oriented English-language Indonesian Observer declared (9/29): "Western people often fail to understand what makes it difficult for Indonesians to give up East Timor. On another level, nationalists consider the referendum a product of Western machinations to separate East Timor from Indonesia.... Wiser minds should now come to the fore to convince them that we must understand the need for change. We should realize that East Timor is no longer an integral part of Indonesia, thanks to the amateurish way with which our foreign policy was conducted--and our failure to censure our leaders for that. We should respect the wishes of the people in that territory now that they have chosen independence. And, as part of the international community, we must adhere to the existing rules which govern international relationships."

"Goodbye To East Timor"

The leading independent English-language Jakarta Post stated (9/29): "Since

effective cooperation between the Indonesian military (TNI) and the Interfet is essential to reestablish peace, at least for as long as TNI continues to maintain a presence, however small, in the territory, any snags in this respect would hold the potential of hampering the effectiveness of the efforts of both Interfet and UNAMET. Admittedly, much of this may be speculation. Cosgrove's comment could have been a diplomatic gesture of courtesy since the de facto authority for security in the eastern half of Timor is already firm in his hands. But actual trouble could be in store, especially if allegations of collusion between elements of TNI and the pro-Jakarta militia are true....

"For those reasons, a withdrawal of Indonesian troops from East Timor may not be enough. If a genuine peace is to be established in East Timor, it is important for the UN to obtain the cooperation of the authorities in Jakarta to ensure not only that no seeds of trouble are left behind in East Timor, intentionally or otherwise, but that East Nusa Tenggara is not used as a base of retreat by pro-Indonesia militias."

"John Howard And His Doctrine"

Ruling Golkar Party's Suara Karya maintained (9/28): "It is difficult for President Clinton to firmly reject Howard's wish to appoint himself a U.S. deputy. However, Clinton's attitude shows U.S. reluctance. When Howard asked the United States to take part in the East Timor troop deployment, Clinton concurred only to help the peacekeepers with logistics, provided Indonesia assented to the deployment. Afterwards, Presidential Defense Adviser Caspar Weinberger confirmed that East Timor is not significant to U.S. interests. At this point, Clinton's lack of enthusiasm with Howard's nagging is evident. The United States does not consider Australia's role as important in securing U.S. interests in Asia. Only Howard views his doctrine as important."

"UN Peacekeeper Neutrality In East Timor"

Pro-government, Islamic-oriented Pelita insisted (9/28): "If [Interfet's] acts of torture and favoritism do not cease, or if the culprits are not justly charged, the presence of UN peacekeepers may become a whole new disaster for the East Timorese. Hostilities between the warring parties will peak and UN credibility will be meaningless due to its deviation from the initial mission."

"Human Rights"

The government-oriented, English-language Indonesian Observer concluded (9/28): "It is quite unfortunate for Indonesia that the UN probe into human rights abuse in Indonesia happens to coincide with the new killings, a fact that shows just how trigger-happy we really are. Needless to say, it also indicates our predilection for solving certain questions by the use of force."

"Interfet Takes Full Responsibility In East Timor"

Independent afternoon Suara Pembaruan held (9/27): "The transfer of responsibility for security in East Timor to Interfet must be accepted openly while examinations of harmful individual and organizational attitudes that have prompted criticism from various parties must continue."

"Australia Stirs White Imperialism Sentiment"

Independent afternoon Berita Buana noted (9/27): "Howard's political attitude only repeats the failure of the West (especially Caucasians) to understand Asia's character and culture. In his attitude, we see an emerging spirit of white imperialism in Asia. Willing to make himself the slave of Europe and the United States, Howard will likely bring a proposal for white imperialism toward the colored peoples of Asia to the EU and United States. Strong Western support for Australia's pressure on Indonesia indicates this possibility."

"Awaiting Await Outcome Of UNHCR Tribunal"

Leading independent Kompas held (9/27): "Various reports and statements from East Timorese leader Ramos Horta, Chairman of UNHCR Mary Robinson and international institutions including Amnesty International, tend to point the finger at the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police (POLRI), for ineptitude in controlling security in East Timor.

"TNI and POLRI have even been accused of collaborating with the militias.... It is high time for Indonesian military and civilian officials to explain the facts clearly and convincingly.... International coverage of shootings of demonstrating students last Thursday and Friday will likely affect the atmosphere of UNHCR meetings in Geneva. This will certainly harm Indonesia's strong effort at resilient diplomacy. The impression is that Indonesia is unresponsive to events and the international spotlight.... The real blow to national pride will come if Indonesian military or civilian officials are brought before an international tribunal as war criminals for actions in East Timor."

"Do Not Let UN Continue To Insult Us"

Nationalistic tabloid Rakyat Merdeka insisted (9/27): The actions of the Interfet in East Timor are hurting us. The Australian-led UN forces openly side with pro-independence factions and see pro-integrationists as pests to be destroyed... There is no point in lamenting the East Timor situation. It is now necessary to ensure that the world community does not further humiliate us on this issue... We must not merely defend ourselves in international fora, we must take the offensive... The current UN session on Human Rights in Geneva must become a chance for us not only to defend ourselves, but also to show the world that indeed we have made mistakes, but can correct them."

"Warding Off International Tribunal"

According to Muslim intellectual Republika (9/25): "It has been difficult for the Indonesian government to answer charges of East Timor war crimes. Indonesia's assent to the deployment of multinational forces committed us to disclose to the world everything happening in East Timor. We are obliged to [disprove allegations] of planned human rights violations in East Timor.... TNI has provided proof to strongly deny its involvement."

"UN Human Rights Commission Special Session"

Ruling Golkar Party's Suara Karya asserted (9/25): "This special session is unreasonable. East Timor is not an ethnic or a religious war as Bosnia or Kosovo, nor there is any ethnic cleansing.... However, allegations of human rights violations in East Timor must be investigated. As a member of the UN, Indonesia should comply with the UN Convention on Human Rights. This is inevitable, and the Indonesian Human Rights Commission has also been working on it. The Indonesian government has pledged to help the UN Commission do its job. There is no indication that Indonesia is trying to impede the commission's duty."

"Howard's Vision Destroys Indonesia-Australia Relations"

Independent afternoon Berita Buana commented (9/24): "Prime Minister Howard has used momentum gained in East Timor as Australia's initial step in reinforcing its new role as the U.S. deputy in securing Asia. Howard has used the East Timor question to underscore that Australians are Europeans, and different from Asians.... This is the type of role that Australia has long sought. Whatever the reason, Howards statement sounds arrogant and intended to belittle Asians.... This particular development, and especially Canberra's hostile attitude, prompts us to remember that this neighbor...is inconstant.... Perhaps Jakarta-Canberra relations should be limited merely to practical matters in the future."

AUSTRALIA: "Let's Make Up With Jakarta"

Foreign editor Greg Sheridan emphasized in national, conservative Australian (10/1): "One thing that we can be certain of is that our soldiers will make us proud in East Timor.... But good as our diggers undoubtedly are, their future is not entirely in their hands.

"The visit by U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen to Jakarta to demand that the Indonesians rein in the pro-integration militias now concentrated in West Timor is good news, because it is the Americans, not Canberra, who have been able to give effective messages to the Indonesians during this crisis."

"Starting With Facts"

An editorial in the populist Daily Telegraph stated (9/30): "The reality is that Mr. Howard never formally requested the involvement of U.S. troops as, after unofficial discussion, he knew it would be rejected. Mr. Howard has handled the East Timor crisis in a manner that has won the support of the nation. He would have lost nothing by telling us the real American position form the start."

"U.S. Example May Be Useful"

The national, busniess-oriented Australian Financial Review advised (9/29): "Mr. Cohen's visit underlines how the United States continues to regard Indonesia as an important country in its global strategic outlook and has sought to maintain a long-term relationship to influence the course of events there, despite the Timor violence.... The time-honed approach which emphasizes American support for democratic values and human rights, and also seeks to maintain long-term strategic relationships, provides a useful model for Mr. Howard to develop the so-called Howard doctrine on a new Australian foreign policy."

"A Phantom Doctrine"

An editorial in the liberal Sydney Morning Herald commented (9/29): "Foreign policy has never been Mr. Howard's greatest strength and the unfortunate silliness of 'the Howard doctrine' has been the result. The Howard doctrine is not Mr. Howard's phrase...but Mr. Howard left it until this week to deny this.... Mr. Howard made other clarifications on Monday...but most of what he said was couched as denial, intended to stop speculation on 'the Howard doctrine' that had been allowed to run since last week. By yesterday, Mr. Howard was saying it was too early to make any definitive statement on foreign policy but in fact he continued to speak in the negative--about what it isn't rather than saying what it should be."

"Jingoism Is A Luxury We Cannot Afford"

Paul Kelly, respected international editor for the conservative national Australian (9/29) was highly critical of Prime Minister Howard warning, "For all intents and purposes there is a real Howard doctrine. It originates from Howard's gut instincts. For Howard, the East Timor deployment gives Australia a new-found confidence to deal with Asia on our own terms and not those imposed upon us.... Australia's prime minister is depicting our East Timor deployment as proof that we had the courage to change our ways and confront Indonesia, as a championing of our own values and as the start of a new defense effort. If Asia takes this message at face value, it will turn against Australia."

"New Regional Role Looks Like Arrogance"

An editorial in the liberal Sydney Morning Herald criticized aspects of Australian Prime Minister Howard's foreign policy as having racist overtones (9/27): "It (Howard's policy) places far too much stress on our links with powers outside the region, rather than our independent role within the region. Especially misguided, in this light, is the idea that Australia should act as a kind of deputy peacekeeper in the region to the United States.... Not surprisingly, even close regional friends view this role as based on notions of Western (and White) superiority over Asian nations that cannot be trusted to run their own affairs in way that keep peace."

"Time To Give PM A Break On East Timor Policy"

The national, business-oriented Australian Financial Review carried this op-ed piece by political commentator Geoffrey Barker (9/27): "John Howard was doubtless lucky that the recent meeting of APEC leaders took place when it did in Auckland, focusing President Clinton's mind on East Timor and increasing U.S. crucial pressure on Indonesia.... Australia was pressing the United States as early as January this year when the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ashton Calvert, met U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Stanley Roth in Washington and discussed possible military deployment. Now Howard is articulating a foreign policy doctrine based on national interest and liberal democratic values in which he says he sees Australia as a regional deputy to the U.S. sheriff. That is an unfortunate metaphor, but presumably means only that Australia aspires to work with the United States for tranquility in the region."

CHINA: "Why Is Australia So Active In Sending Troops To East Timor?"

Chen Tieyuan said in the official Chinese Youth Party China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnianbao, 9/30): "Australia's view on sending troops to East Timor was echoed by its Western allies including the United States, Canada, Britain and France. Having gotten an upper hand in Yugoslavia, the West did not stop their experiment and advocation of 'human rights overstepping sovereignty,' but found another opportunity in East Timor.... It was almost at the same time that Australian Prime Minister Howard threw out his theory of interfering in another region's affairs and Clinton peddled the 'new interventionism' at the 54th UN General Assembly. Australia and the United States have reached a kind of tacit agreement on Asian affairs.... Australia's interference in East Timor is an attempt by the West to kill two birds with one stone. If Australia fails to settle the problem, the West or the United States can take the initiative to 'rescue' it from this complicated situation. On the other hand, if the relations between Australia and Indonesia deteriorate further, West may try to obtain the greatest possible benefit at the expense of Australia's interests and compensate Australia for its sacrifice in the future."

JAPAN: "Anti-Habibie Golkar Members And Megawati's Party"

Conservative Sankei's Jakarta correspondent Utsunomiya observed (9/30): "The People's Consultative Assembly, Indonesia's highest legislative body, will be convened on Friday, October 1. High on the agenda at the assembly will be such crucial national issues as the presidential election and the approval of the independence of East Timor.... Megawati Sukarnoputri, leader of the Democratic Party of Struggle, is Habibie's main challenger for the presidency.... Behind the scenes, about 60 percent of anti-Habibie members are said to be forming an alliance with Megawati's party in the forthcoming presidential election. It is believed that if the Indonesian military joins the proposed political alliance, Megawati is likely to elected president and Defense Minister Wiranto, vice president. The election of General Wiranto as vice president, however, will likely draw opposition from students. It is rumored that students, who have been staging anti-government demonstrations, will organize a massive demonstration on the opening day of the assembly."

"Asian Countries Call Australia's Initiative Arrogant"

Conservative Sankei's Sydney correspondent, Sano, observed (9/28): "Australia receives high praise from the United States and European countries as well as from the United Nations for taking the initiative in launching the peacekeeping operation in East Timor. But the more Australia emphasizes its peacekeeping role in East Timor, the more strongly ASEAN countries react to the country's initiative. ASEAN countries call the Howard government's attempt to make 'Australia militarily strong' arrogant."

NEW ZEALAND: "Firm Stand Required To Overcome Militias"

Wellington's moderate Evening Post judged (9/30), "[East Timor] faces a wan future of short-term poverty and threat, and long-term impoverishment and uneasy relations with its neighbors. The arrival of peacekeepers is a crucial step.... Indonesia must...listen to the United States of America because of the clout the United States can exert, financially and militarily. Its military involvement...is comparatively small at this stage, but its financial power is enormous.... Any economic sanctions from the United States could send Indonesia into depression. U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen's visit to Jakarta today is therefore vital. He is well-placed to tell Indonesia's leaders to support what the UN is doing...[and that] that must include helping to bring pro-Jakarta militias under control.... Until that happens, there is little chance of peace in East Timor. Calls for sensitivity towards Indonesia...are premature at this stage. Appeasement now, before the Indonesian Army-backed militias are brought under control, risks peacekeepers' lives."

PHILIPPINES: "Cooperation Among Friends"

Top-circulation Manila Bulletin expressed hope (9/30) that the peacekeeping force will "alleviate the critical situation in East Timor," saying: "It helps that the multinational force will be dealing with a friendly country, Indonesia. Where the solution involves cooperation among friends, the end to the problem may be in sight."

"Jakarta Must Account For The Atrocities"

The third-leading Philippine Star noted (9/29): "The continuing terrorism perpetrated by pro-Indonesian groups has elicited calls for the creation of a tribunal that would try the militias and their Indonesian backers for crimes against humanity. The latest massacre (Saturday's killing of nine church workers) indicates that certain elements in Indonesia are determined to thwart independence for East Timor at all costs. Why is the Philippines, the land of people power, voting against an international inquiry of this terrorism? Jakarta must be made to account for these atrocities."

"Indonesia's Determination To Hold East Timor"

Belinda Cunanan noted in her column in the most widely read Philippine Daily Inquirer (9/25): "There is also a continuing clamor for the resignation of President B.J. Habibie who is being blamed for having agreed to the Timor referendum, and for the establishment of a transition government while the formation of a new government in November is awaited.... Reinforcing the impression of Indonesia's determination to hold on to the battered territory is the rumor that Tommy Soeharto and some Indonesian generals own vast lands in Timor planted to coffee. There's also the prospect of so much oil in the seas around it."

SINGAPORE: "Securing Indonesia"

The pro-government Straits Times held (9/27), "The violent protests in Jakarta and elsewhere that have greeted the passage of Indonesia's new security law are an expression of the timeless tussle between the demands of law and order and those of civil and political liberties. Both goals are justified, and they must be upheld if a society is to be both secure and free.... In Indonesia, which is passing through one of its most critical years since independence, the need for stability is undeniable, but no less real is the groundswell of support for democracy and human rights released by the transition from authoritarianism.... Simultaneously, the interests of civil society in Indonesia will be furthered by the creation of a political culture in which differing goals and views are reconciled through free discussion, not enforced compliance. It is that balance between freedom and peace that the country as a whole must seek.

"In the spirit of the civil society which Indonesian liberals and others desire, differences over the direction and pace of developments itself must be resolved amicably. The government's decision to suspend the law's implementation until it has been accepted by the public is a step in the right direction. Now the critics must reciprocate."

THAILAND: "Distractions In The Timor Issue"

According to the lead editorial in the top-circulation, moderately conservative, English-language Bangkok Post (9/30): "If entire peoples are at risk, it matters not a jot the nationality of those who come to their aid, particularly when the intervention forces operate under the banner of the UN.... Australia and Thailand, along with the other countries that have contributed to the effort can stand proud of their efforts to bring to an end one of the greatest crimes in modern history."

"Traitor ASEAN"

Nitipoom Nawarat commented in top-circulation, nationalist Thai Rath (9/28): "By having Thai troops dispatched to East Timor, the United States and Australia are killing two birds with one stone. The first bird is the weakening of ASEAN. The second, the paving of way for the West to exert its influence in both ASEAN and Timor."

EUROPE

PORTUGAL: "Waiting For What?"

An editorial in center-left Publico by deputy editor-in-chief Nuno Pacheco stressed (9/28): "Despite the promises and the heavy armament nervously moving around on the ground, the ambience...still retains something out of 'Apocalypse Now': no one knows who's in charge, no one knows who's stealing, no one knows when we can talk about security without lying.... The Timorese deserve a better fate. And, most of all, more respect."

"Resist And Begin Again--24 Years Later"

Distinguished journalist Ana Gloria Lucas emphasized in centrist Diario de Noticias by (9/28): "The inertness of Interfet leaves everyone who encounters it puzzled here in Dili. At the 'briefings' they tell us that 'the beefing up of the military continues,' but the truth is that there has been no noticeable increase in the presence of Interfet forces, with even whole neighborhoods where they haven't even shown up. And as for the rest of Timorese territory...don't even talk about it.... The objective of avoiding casualties in this operation might be very 'politically correct,' but it's surely absurd for anyone who doesn't understand anything about military strategy. Or even for anyone who does.... The perplexity engendered by Interfet actions is even greater when [you realize] it's dealing with a treacherous enemy that on one day formally retreats in an orderly fashion, and two days later returns to burn what it had abandoned. Or leaves someone behind on the ground to do this dirty work on its behalf."

"The Birth"

In leftist weekly Expresso (9/25), former PSD (Social Democratic Party) parliamentarian Antonio Pinto Leite commented: "Those who called for an international military intervention in Timor, against the will of Indonesia, were demanding, in effect, a declaration of war on Indonesia. What happened to common sense? There is a lot of talk about 'realpolitik,' and about the political and economic interests, especially of the Americans, that inhibited a belligerent international intervention in Timor.... If the international community had done in Timor what it did in Kosovo, the tragedy would have been even greater, for the Timorese and for the world.... The world of human rights and liberty is under construction. The world of global consensus is under construction.

"The world with an international police force capable of alleviating humanitarian tragedies like that of Timor is under construction.... But it is not yet the case that we can act as though this world was already a reality, not that it is sure to come. Acts of adventurism and voluntarism on this difficult path, as much as this can and does affront our sensibilities, could be a major impediment to peace in the world, and to the very construction of the world we want.... Amid blood and pain a new world is being born.... This birth will take decades, the minimum time history requires. If one doesn't understand this, one doesn't understand Timor's place in time."

BRITAIN: "Howard's Way"

The liberal Guardian editorialized (9/29), "Australian Prime Minister John Howard told parliament last week that the East Timor crisis had reaffirmed some awkward home truths. Australia was not an Asian nation, as some of his predecessors had contended, but a Western nation in Asia, he said.... In Mr. Howard's views on the need to re-emphasize ties with the United States and Europe, Asian leaders claim to detect a reviving colonialism. 'We don't want to see any country appointing itself protector of this region', the Malaysian deputy prime minister said. In truth, Canberra does not seek such a role, but Asian countries which prevaricated, ducked, and appeased throughout the Timor crisis have only themselves to blame. They waited for someone else to tackle their problem. Luckily for them, Australia (and the British Gurkhas) obliged."

"East Timor Imperiled By Power Vacuum"

The independent Financial Times judged (9/28): "A dangerous power vacuum is developing in both Jakarta and the breakaway territory of East Timor as Indonesia's leaders begin to focus on the selection of a new president. The UN force, limited by numbers, has been unable to stamp its authority."

"UN Force Wavers"

The liberal Guardian pointed out (9/28): "The Indonesian armed forces formally ceded responsibility for security in East Timor yesterday to the multinational forces led by Australia. But there is growing doubt whether the UN force, Interfet, has either the strength or the legal authority to restore peace to East Timor in the foreseeable future.... Interfet's effectiveness is limited because it cannot carry out law enforcement and it is not allowed to shoot first when faced with militiamen who refuse to submit.... A new problem is looming: how to deal with aggressive activities from across the border in West Timor, now home to thousands of pro-Jakarta militiamen."

"U.S. Timidity"

The independent Financial Times held (9/27): "Across the riot-torn territory of East Timor, terrorized for weeks by pro-Indonesian militias, a tiny UN-mandated peacekeeping force is struggling to restore order.... The peacekeeping force was promised substantial communications and logistical support from the United States. Little of that help has so far materialized. There is a suspicion that U.S. fear of casualties, combined with uncertainty about how tough to be with the Indonesian government, has resulted in a less than wholehearted commitment. That is bad news for the peacekeeping operation. It is unfortunate, but true, that visible U.S. involvement is essential to give the operation credibility. This was shown in Bosnia. But Australia has far fewer resources and less diplomatic clout than the European peacekeepers in the Balkans. Interfet was only set up, and Indonesia persuaded to accept it, when President Clinton threw his weight behind the operation at the APEC summit in New Zealand. That cannot be the end of U.S. involvement. Washington must deliver, rapidly, on its promised support, and make sure that it is visible to all concerned."

FRANCE: "Asia's Pangs Of Conscience"

In the editorial view of right-of-center Les Echos (9/30): "The West's intervention in East Timor is not well regarded by Asian nations, which consider the West's human rights role with doubt. Except for Thailand...every other nation in the region has expressed its opposition to the West's involvement.... Beyond Muslim solidarity, which links nations such as Malaysia and Pakistan to Jakarta, what has triggered this reaction is fear of seeing the same thing happen on their shores.... Asia's displeasure may also be the consequence of John Howard's misstep when he said that Australia had a 'special responsibility' in the region and that it could become 'a deputy' of the United States.... Howard's declarations, although later denied, did not sit well with ASEAN, whose founding motto is one of non-intervention."

"The Indonesian Army: Master At Home"

Patrick de Saint-Exupery put forth this view in right-of-center Le Figaro (9/28): "The political intention behind the Indonesian army's recent wave of terror was not to kill. Rather, it was a large-scale reprisal aimed to serve as a warning to other groups in the archipelago which might be tempted by a movement for independence.... The indirect coup in Jakarta is proof of this. The Indonesian army wants to continue to be, as it has always been, the nation's backbone.... To have accepted East Timor's independence without a reaction meant a major reversal for the army.... Now that the message of warning has been sent and obviously received, the army has adopted a position of moderator.... Even if on the international scene the army has become the target of numerous accusations, domestically it remains master of the political game."

GERMANY: "Distrust Between East And West"

Andreas Baenziger noted in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (9/29), "While it is very clear to the people in the West what is good and what is bad, the people and the governments in the East have difficulties understanding that the West, including Australia, is suddenly supporting the rights of the downtrodden East Timorese.... The Asian distrust, however, is understandable to a certain degree. During the Cold War, human rights were a political weapon.... Australia and its loyal ally, the United States, almost encouraged dictator Soeharto to incorporate East Timor in his empire against the will of the people and by violating international law. At that time, they ignored serious human rights violations.... In East Timor, the West must now do everything to make clear that something fundamental has changed: Human rights have turned into a politically and obligatory category whose violators cannot get off scot-free.... Only if the credibility of Western motives is clear, it will probably also become clear to the countries in southeast Asia that it was primarily their incapability to stop Indonesia which forced the West to intervene."

"UN Betrayal Of East Timor"

Daniel Kestenholz argued (9/29) in an editorial in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin: "Again, the resistance of states with dubious human rights records has prompted the United Nations to make a compromise with respect to East Timor. The accused regime, Indonesia's current leadership, will take part in the investigation of the crimes that are called genocide.... What a strange logic!"

"A Withdrawal With Ulterior Motives"

Andreas Baenziger penned this editorial in centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (9/28): "On Monday, Indonesia's commander for East Timor formally handed over responsibility for the devastated territory to the international peace force. But its commander does not want this responsibility, at least not the full responsibility. He thinks that Indonesia and the peace force are obliged to safeguard East Timor's safety.

"The Indonesians no longer want to have anything to do with East Timor after they looted it and set it afire with the support of militia forces, while the international peace force is unable to safeguard a territory that is half as big as and as mountainous as Switzerland.... The peace force has to fulfill a giant task...and it is impossible to do so without cooperation of Indonesia. But the peace force must take into consideration that it will have to fulfill its mission without Indonesian assistance. This will be the case if Indonesia's army supports the murderous militias from West Timor to wage a guerrilla war (against East Timor). We can consider Indonesia's farewell to its responsibilities also a preparation for the destabilization of the peace mission."

ITALY: "Diplomatic Atmosphere Destined To Deteriorate"

Left-leaning, influential La Repubblica had this from Dili (9/30): "U.S. Defense Secretary Cohen has delivered a message from Jakarta, underlining that no attack on UN peacekeepers will be tolerated, and that the U.S. is ready to adopt sanctions should that happen. But the diplomatic atmosphere is destined to deteriorate: The Habibie government has rejected the creation by the UN of an investigating committee on the crimes carried out by the pro-Indonesia militiamen."

"Confrontation Is Escalating"

La Nazione/Il Resto del Carlino/Il Giorno conservative syndicate had this from Jakarta (9/30): "Instead of bringing relief, one of the aid packages dropped in East Timor provoked a tragedy, hitting a three-year-old baby and causing serious wounds to him.... Thus even as the humanitarian aid mission turns into an umpteenth act of violence against the Timorese, the confrontation between Indonesia and the international community (mainly the United States) is escalating."

"Expected Genocides, Impossible Trials And Moral Sentences"

Massimo Nava commented on the front-page of centrist, top-circulation Corriere

della Sera (9/29): "Massacres in East Timor immediately spurred the proposal of establishing an international tribunal to try Indonesian generals and officers.... It is indeed unlikely that there will be a trial against the Jakarta military leadership. In theory, the command chain should go up to the Chief of Staff and Defense Minister Wiranto, who is in fact the man who favored the end of Soeharto's dictatorship and upon whom the delicate transition process toward democracy depends. While waiting for judicial sentences, we should wonder whether the demand for justice can be satisfied with moral sentences...which are valid from an historical point of view. But in this case, the court of history should also examine regimes' complicities, indirect responsibilities, lack of prevention, delays of the military and humanitarian intervention."

"West Timor, Outpost Of Hate"

Pietro Veronese wrote from Darwin in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (9/28): "On the same day when we were informed that the Indonesian force had formally ceded control of East Timor to the Interfet, we also learned about this...massacre of nuns and priests.... By now in East Timor there are more peace keeping soldiers than Indonesian people.... Yesterday Interfet made its first offensive action and launched an operation in the small town of Liquica, west from Dili.... The withdrawal of Indonesian army and militias from East Timor has made West Timor become an outpost of theirs. And it is there, in the western part of the island, that has been transferred the hate and the violence along with the armed gangs."

KAZAKHSTAN: "Indonesian Balkans"

Under the above headline, independent weekly Novoye Pokoleniye concluded (9/24): "Jakarta is in a very difficult situation. On one hand, resisting East Timor's [independence] is spoiling relationships with the international community. On the other, losing East Timor will be a bad example to other eparatists that Indonesia has more than enough [land to spare.]... Neighboring countries understand the situation, and they are not happy that their neighbor is a potential candidate for breakup, [caused by or as a resulting in] civic, ethnic and religious wars that could cause flood of refugees."

NORWAY: "Indonesia's Crimes"

Conservative Aftenposten asserted (9/27): "Indonesia has discredited itself in the world through the grim events in Timor. It was unwise of the rulers in Jakarta to make their country an international laughing-stock, at the same time that Indonesia, as a hard-hit victim of the economic crisis in Asia, has so great a need for international help and investment.... Indonesia's occupation of East Timor was from the first moment a crime against international law.... Indonesia must now--inexcusably late--approve its neighbor's sovereignty, cooperate during the investigation of war crimes, and respect that the international force in East Timor is preparing the self-rule that the inhabitants have been robbed of for so long. Only then can Indonesia repair the battered remains of its international reputation."

"East Timor Must Be Investigated"

Social Democratic Dagsavisen Arbeiderbladet (9/27) commented: "The international community is looking into crimes against humanity in Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Indonesia will not be any different. Protection of human rights is an overarching international goal. If Indonesia will not cooperate, there should be very serious consequences for the country's international standing and reputation."

POLAND: "Indifference Toward A Sea Of Blood"

Krystyna Szelestowska had this to say in leftist Trybuna (9/25-26): "Who is perpetrating the acts [in East Timor], which go far beyond what is described as violating human rights?... The official story talks about units of local police and pro-Indonesia militias.... But as public knowledge has it, they were supported in their activities by the Indonesian army stationed on the island, special units known as Kopassus in particular. It must be known that these troops were trained by the U.S. army and equipped with U.S. equipment under the IMET program. Once the word about the bad reputation of Indonesia's special units reached Washington, the Congress forbade the continued training of murderers. It was too late, though. Besides, the supplies of arms were allegedly not halted, even though the exploits and infamous role of Kopassus in East Timor were well known. The Americans...also provided the Indonesian army with sophisticated weapons, even though the army has for years...persecuted and slaughtered [East Timor's] population.... Since human rights were recently brought to the foreground of Washington's and NATO's focus as vindication for [eventual] military actions, it is high time that those who violate human rights and persecute innocent people be treated with equal severity."

THE NETHERLANDS: "Every Asian Nationalist Irritated"

Dutch liberal newsweekly HP/De Tijd contended (9/24): "Less than a quarter of a century after the whites definitively seemed to have left Asia they are back, as lifesavers. Every nationalist in the region will be irritated by that. Due to the anti-Dutch character of Indonesian nationalism, every 'blue helmet' from Venray or Winschoten would have to fear for his life. The Indonesian army has studied Milosevic's tactics. The actions of the militias in East Timor are awfully similar to what we have seen in Kosovo."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Problems Aplenty"

An editorial in the centrist Hindu (9/28) held, "With the international force for East Timor (Interfet) taking over the security command in the territory, the locals and the internally displaced people are hoping for the return of the rule of the law. Either by design or sheer inaction, the Indonesian troops in the territory were unwilling to restrain the pro-Jakarta militia during the past three weeks.... The political crisis looming large in Indonesia and the presidential elections slated for November will continue to haunt the archipelago.... Violence threatens to engulf the nation all over again, though the government backtracked on its decision to clothe the armed forces with sweeping emergency powers. The new parliament will be constituted soon and only if a viable and table coalition is forged early can an extended spell of political uncertainty be averted. Apart from settling the East Timor issue, the new president and the government will have major challenges on hand-reviving the economy and reunifying a troubled nation. The international community is at a loss to understand how Indonesia functions and who will call the shots in Jakarta."

NEPAL: "Where Is Indonesia's Side Of The Story?"

The centrist Kathmandu Post held (9/24), "Watching Western media one feels that it is entirel Indonesia's fault. For the [past] two,three months, BBC has been feeding this story in its Asia/Pacific hour constantly. Where is the Indonesian side of the story? Where were these Western sympathizers of independence fighters for last 20 years? The United States has decided to stop the arms supply to Indonesia now. Why not for the last 20 years? Similar one sided stories are fed to us constantly; be it on Iraq or Kosovo, the former Soviet Union or China.... The problem in East Timor is a complex one. Its genesis lies in the Christian expansionism which started in the Middle Ages and continues even today.... Indonesian dictatorship was backed by all Western powers until they had free access to its resources and market. Now the Indonesian economy has failed and so the East Timor referendum for independence acquires priority."

For more information, please contact:

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10/1/99

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