November 3, 1999
A 'NEW ERA' BEGINS FOR EAST TIMOR
Editors overseas weighed in in considerable numbers on several key events in East Timor's struggle for independence--the Indonesian parliament's annulment of the annexation of East Timor, the formation of the UN Transitional Authority for East Timor (UNTAET) and last weekend's pullout of Indonesian troops from the half-island following 24 years of "occupation." While no writers discounted the difficulties ahead for the former Portuguese colony, nearly all judged that, in the words of Singapore's pro-government Straits Times, "the long-suffering East Timorese...are taking their first critical steps toward nationhood.... As long as the threats of renewed war recede, [they] have a fighting chance to stand on their own feet." Observers judged that, given the devastation wrought in East Timor following the August 30 referendum, the East Timorese would need a generous "helping hand" in the form of relief efforts and assistance with nation-building. Pledges of support emanated from papers in Japan, Thailand and Singapore. In Jakarta, editorials commenting on the Indonesian troop withdrawal saw "good prospects" that the "spirit of reconciliation" would "heal the wounds" between Indonesia and East Timor, and that Indonesia's new government would pursue positive relations with Australia. Down under, Australian analysts concluded that Canberra had been "vindicated" for having led the UN-mandated Interfet force in East Timor. A number of European commentators worried that Indonesia's new president, Abdurrahman Wahid, might not be up to the "Herculean task" of keeping the "bleeding [Indonesian] giant together" in the aftermath of independence for East Timor. Highlights in the commentary follow:
CONCILIATORY TONES FROM JAKARTA: Leading, independent dailies spoke of the need for a "spirit of reconciliation" in building "close," "cooperative" relations with East Timor and Australia. The Jakarta Post stressed, as did Kompas, that "the whole East Timor episode" could serve as a "valuable lesson in how popular resistance movements should not be handled. Indonesia's fatal mistake...was that, during all of its 24-year-long presence in the territory, it failed to win the hearts and minds of the East Timorese people." Looking ahead, independent Suara Bangsa predicted that there would be many matters between East Timor and Indonesia that would not be "easily overcome," and speculated that the East Timorese government, "once formed, [might] demand reparations from Indonesia."
WILL EAST TIMOR BECOME AN EXAMPLE?: Opinionmakers in Europe and India worried that in the aftermath of East Timor's bid for freedom, Indonesia might "slide toward national disintegration." "Those favoring independence are hardly limited to East Timor," observed Madrid's liberal El Pais. Milan's provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio stressed that Jakarta's new government would have to move carefully "to prevent...East Timor from becoming an example for other islands...where autonomist trends have already emerged."
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS: Pundits in Germany, Ireland and Brazil held that those responsible for "war crimes" and "atrocities" in East Timor should be "identified and punished."
EDITOR: Kathleen J. Brahney
EDITORS' NOTE: This survey is based on 42 reports from 19 countries, October 18 - November 3. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC
INDONESIA: "East Timor Reconciliation"
Islamic-oriented Pelita held (11/2): "We support Deputy East Nusa Tenggara Governor Yohanis Pake Pani's request that President Clinton call on Xanana Gusmao to undertake reconciliatory measures with the pro-integration community. Clearly, this request is not excessive, and is only made for the East Timorese' own benefit and the future of the neighborhood."
"Indonesia Formally Leaves East Timor"
Independent afternoon Suara Bangsa asserted (11/1): "The end of Indonesia's rule in East Timor, in our view, does not signify a conclusion to relations and issues between Indonesia and the region. There is as yet no deal between Indonesia and the UN regarding the assets and investments Indonesia committed to the region over more than 23 years. Conversely, the UN and CNRT [National Council for Timorese Resistance] will eventually tabulate the damage and losses Indonesia caused during that period, not to mention the priceless lives and wounded. In addition, there are certainly numerous other matters between the two that are not easily overcome.... It is not impossible that the East Timorese government, once formed, will demand reparations from Indonesia.... Therefore, Indonesia must contemplate such a possibility."
"The 'Red And White' No Longer Flies In East Timor"
Leading, independent Kompas declared (11/1): "We are pleased and thankful that the final Indonesian troop withdrawal from East Timor, and the final lowering of the red and white flag in East Timor proceeded in a respectful manner.... The international and domestic spotlights on the increasing post-referendum violence do not overshadow our awareness of the sacrifices the Indonesian people, government, and particularly soldiers, have made for East Timor. For the military, this sacrifice was measured in lives, including 5,000 soldiers killed, others disabled, and the widows and orphans.... There were certainly other decisive factors in the lopsided outcome: 78.5 percent for independence, 21.5 percent for integration. Where do we go now on the question of East Timor? The spirit of reconciliation dictates building a neighborly relationship, and, hopefully, close relations and cooperation."
"End Of An Episode"
The leading, independent Jakarta Post opined (11/1): "Naturally, it will take time and effort for the wounds to heal. But with the kind of wise and democratic leadership that now exists in Jakarta--and hopefully in the near future also in Dili--there is every reason to believe that such a rapprochement is possible. For Indonesia, the whole East Timor episode can serve as a valuable lesson in how popular resistance movements should not be handled. Indonesia's fatal mistake in East Timor was that during all of its 24-year-long presence in the territory it failed to win the hearts and minds of the East Timorese people. The pain that many Indonesians surely feel at the loss of East Timor is easy enough to understand. But, now that they have come to this final stage of the drama, all that can be said is that, hopefully, the lesson is one well learned."
"Indonesian Military Troops Leave East Timor"
The government-oriented, English-language Indonesian Observer noted (11/1): "Prospects for a recovery in the relationship between Indonesia and Australia look quite good in light of conciliatory statements made recently by President Wahid. President Wahid has said that Indonesia and Australia, being in the same region, need one another because it is cooperation in the field of economy and other sectors that will promote the stability and prosperity of the region."
"UN Anniversary, Too Many Things To Criticize"
Leading, independent Kompas insisted (10/26): "We understand the UN has always been dominated by the United States and its Western allies, Britain and France.... As we have been busy with domestic matters, let us not waste our time worrying about UNTAET, whatever they do. What is important to us is establishing balanced, mutually beneficial diplomatic relations with a free East Timor.... There is too much evidence indicating, without pointing a finger at anyone supposedly responsible, that our East Timor diplomacy failed in the UN. This is an important lesson for us that ought not be repeated in the future."
"Latest East Timor Developments"
Independent afternoon Suara Pembaruan contended (10/23): "The East Timorese must now determine their future. This is the era of Xanana Gusmao and his fighting force and hopes that were ignored in the past. Whatever they choose, it will surely include prudent consideration of possible risks.... In this regard, there should be some sort of fallback stance free of offense and confessions of [past] mistakes."
AUSTRALIA: "Sooner UN Takes Over, The Better"
The liberal Canberra Times featured this editorial (11/2): "The last Indonesian troops sailed from Dili port last week, ending what has effectively been 24 years of military occupation. Never, in all those years of annexation, did Indonesia feel secure enough of its sovereignty to remove its troops. East Timor was always either at war, recovering from war, or preparing for war.... The real pity is that Indonesia took so long to read the writing on the wall and that it failed so comprehensively to abide by the decision of the East Timorese in the terrible weeks after the referendum. With up to a quarter of a million East Timorese still unaccounted for, it may be some time before the scale of that negligence can be calculated."
"After Timor, A Clearer Role"
The liberal Sydney Morning Herald had this editorial (11/1): "Even after the East Timor crisis entered a new and calmer phase, recriminations were still being directed towards Australia, notably from Indonesia and Malaysia.... Some in Indonesia claimed Australia wished Indonesia harm and was part of a Western conspiracy threatening its integrity. Such anti-Australian rhetoric will be heard as long as there are political leaders in Indonesia and Malaysia who find advantage in it. But the charges are false. Australia has never wished Indonesia harm. It could have ignored the cry of the East Timorese people, but not with honour. Now that Indonesia itself has acknowledged the will of the people of East Timor and formally revoked its annexation of the territory, the anger projected against Australia will be increasingly difficult to sustain. However fervent the belief that East Timor should have remained part of Indonesia, that simply could not stand against the voice of the people themselves on August 30."
"Free At Last, The Work Has Only Just Begun"
The liberal Sydney Morning Herald featured this analysis (10/29) by James Dunn, former Australian consul in Portuguese East Timor: "This week a new chapter has opened in East Timor's long and determined struggle for independence. The UN Security Council formally accepted a mandate to guide the Timorese to nationhood, including the establishment of their economy, the setting up of institutions of government, and law and order and justice institutions.... Although East Timor's national well-being, to use the words of Xanana Gusmao, has been forced to a point below zero, there are grounds for optimism that its people will be able to attain full nationhood in about two years. A key challenge is to normalize relations with Indonesia in the immediate future.... The mission of the UN Transitional Authority in East Timor is an elaborate and comprehensive one. There are grounds for optimism, for the Timorese people have been united by their ordeal and they are endowed with impressive leaders.... The Security Council resolution gives UNTAET sweeping powers. But at the outset it is essential that its leaders work closely with the Timorese interim leadership. The Timorese may be short on technological and other skills, but their leaders are impressive in terms of calibre and experience, and it is their co-operation and commitment that ultimately will determine UNTAET's success."
"Military Image Fails Timor Unity Search"
The conservative, national Australian had this editorial observation (10/25): "The euphoria greeting Xanana Gusmao on his first appearance on East Timorese soil is natural and moving. After years of armed struggle against the Indonesian occupying forces, and the frustration of years in prison, his status as independence leader is unchallenged. Nevertheless, he is not yet president of East Timor, and has faced no form of election other than popular acclaim. So his choice of army jungle fatigues with Falantil shoulder flashes for his first public appearance is, at best, contradictory, and at worst, adversarial. Mr Gusmao's use of military uniform presents an image that can be portrayed as being at loggerheads with the UN's mandate to Interfet, and the future of the UN peacekeeping force's role."
"Howard Vindicated, Despite Stumble"
The national business Australian Financial Review featured this analysis (10/21) by Geoffrey Barker: "Against all odds, Indonesia has managed its first democratic election, and the People's Consultative Assembly has also voted to grant independence to East Timor. Together, the two events vindicate the [Australian] government's handling of the East Timor crisis and establish conditions for a stronger and more stable relationship between Australia and Indonesia."
"Indonesia: Handle With Care"
Foreign editor Greg Sheridan put forth this view in Sydney's national, conservativeAustralian (10/21): "One disturbing aspect...is that in recent weeks Wahid has become a trenchant, even hostile, critic of Australia's role in the diplomacy that led up to East Timor's independence. This is doubly perplexing because before this period Wahid had been a good friend of Australia, making numerous visits...and having many Australian friends. As president, Wahid is likely to be a moderate and look to domestic reconciliation.... Therefore...he will have significant incentives to dispense with his anti-Australian attitudes of recent weeks and seek a new accommodation with Canberra. But he certainly should be handled with care."
"Tough Job Ahead For New President"
The liberal Canberra Times stressed (10/20): "Australia is regarded with suspicion in Indonesia, and it is easy to see why.
Decades of appeasement of Soeharto and acceptance of the occupation of East Timor have been suddenly replaced with an attitude of what could easily look like smug moral superiority. A country which had for decades been alone in recognizing Indonesian sovereignty over East Timor suddenly turned around and played a major role in securing independence for that same piece of land."
"The Right Way To Rebuild Timor"
An editorial in Sydney's national, business-oriented Australian Financial Review pointed out (10/18): "The first serious efforts to develop a multilateral aid approach occurred in Washington last month when independence leader Xanana Gusmao addressed a World Bank forum. Given East Timor's lack of any administrative system, it would be better if a unified donor group was established rather than a series of bilateral initiatives.... The independence camp has always seen the Timor Sea hydrocarbon deposits as the financial foundation of the new country, and there have been some mixed signals about how smooth the transfer from Indonesia to Timor will be in the joint cooperation area with Australia. But just as peacekeepers can distort a primitive economy, it is important that the Timorese build an economy that is more diverse than just dependent on oil. They need only look west to see that Singapore has done more with less than oil-rich Brunei.... Rather than grand projects, Timor's development priorities should lie in getting some simple facilities like roads and schools into agricultural areas, where most people live, to achieve a quick boost in agricultural productivity."
CHINA: "East Timor Independence Process Faces Ordeals"
Guo Ji said in the official Beijing municipal Beijing Daily (Beijing Ribao, 10/27): "The UN resolution to fully take over East Timor affairs indicates that the UN is set to fulfil its commitment to the East Timor people. However, since the region is still plagued with some left-over political and economic problems, the independence process will not be easy."
JAPAN: "Japan Must Give Relief Aid To East Timorese Refugees"
Liberal Mainichi pointed out (11/1): "Japan should give a helping hand--including support for the return of the refugees to East Timor.... As the world's largest donor nation for Indonesia, Tokyo has established close relations with Jakarta.... Although Japan has contributed nearly $2 million to the former Portuguese colony through UNHCR, it should also give 'more visible' relief activities to the East Timorese.... We believe peacekeeping is not everything the international community is supposed to do in the course of nation-building. There are such important areas as humanitarian, administrative and reconstruction areas to which Japan can contribute in a more positive manner."
"Indonesia Trying to Strengthen Asian Diplomacy"
Liberal Asahi remarked (10/25): "In his first major speech on Sunday, newly-elected Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid called China the first foreign country to which he wants to make an official visit as head of state. Indonesia, facing Western criticism over the East Timor crisis and feeling a sense of international isolation, has apparently shifted much of its diplomatic priority to Asia. In this respect, Wahid's speech was interpreted as a clear departure from the country's past diplomatic policy, which gave priority to close relations with the United States, Europe and Australia."
SINGAPORE: "Picking Up The Pieces"
An editorial in the pro-government Straits Times indicated (10/26): "The long-suffering East Timorese set free by Jakarta last week are taking their first critical steps towards nationhood....
"With the help from the UN and other interested countries, Mr. Gusmao's primary task is to put a broken territory back together again.... As long as the threats of a renewed war recede, the East Timorese have a fighting change to stand on their own feet.... East Timor needs all the help it can get to recover from its trauma.... For many Timorese, the wounds are deep and they will take a long time to heal. But this is not the time to engage in recriminations. There are more urgent things to do. It is time for them to reconcile and rebuild."
SOUTH KOREA: "Indonesia's Two Decisions"
Moderate Hankook Ilbo (10/22) observed: "Indonesia's MPR has made two historic decisions. It elected Wahid president, and officially approved of East Timor's independence. We hope that these two decisions will help stabilize the country and regain the trust of the international community.... The election definitely shows Indonesia's democracy has taken an important step forward."
THAILAND: "Peace In Timor"
Siam Namrat commented in popular Siam Rath (11/3): "Time has proven that Thai troops were sent to East Timor not to maintain peace in this fledgling nation or, by extension, the world. To the contrary, they are supposed to be there to use force to quell unrest in accordance with the UN resolution under the command of the United States. Thailand, with its propensity to follow every U.S. lead, obsequiously agreed to the arrangement.... The Thai government also benefited from this.... Dispatching troops to Timor has helped to divert the attention of the Thai public from myriad social and economic ills currently besieging them.... The Thai troops are not there to defend Thai sovereignty, nor the monarchy, religion or the constitution. There they are reduced to mere mercenaries."
"UN Embarks Upon Another Mission"
The lead editorial of the top-circulation, moderately conservative Bangkok Post commented (10/31): "Mr. Wahid has given official permission and blessing to the UN role in East Timor.... The UN must build a nation in many ways.... Things that we take for granted in Thailand simply do not exist in East Timor.... Thailand must give strong consideration to taking an active role in the new East Timor phase. Cost is a major problem, but the UN chief Kofi Annan has indicated this can be overcome. Thai troops have already earned friendship and respect from many East Timorese. Thais have useful and positive experiences to pass along--from building a transportation system to establishing democratic institutions. Thais also can help the UN avoid the egregious and harmful errors it made in the attempt to help Cambodia."
"East Timor Demands Utmost Caution"
Editor Pichai Chuensuksawadi held in the top-circulation, moderately conservative, Bangkok Post (10/25): "The decision to play a supportive role, rather than a leading role, in the UN administration of East Timor is the right one. But to what extent? That requires further careful thought and consideration by the government."
"Independence For East Timor"
Kavi Chongkittavorn noted in the independent Nation (10/22): "Now that Indonesia's supreme legislative body has ratified the referendum to let East Timor become independent, ASEAN will have a freer hand to initiate policies concerning rehabilitation and reconstruction, just as it did successfully in Cambodia."
"A Lesson For ASEAN"
The lead editorial of the top-circulation, moderately conservative Bangkok Post asserted (10/19): "ASEAN has sought to embrace new members without regard for their behavior, or to be more specific, misbehavior. The point is that ASEAN has shown an almost obsessive propensity to ignore the plight of persecuted peoples in the interests of sweet government-to-government relations. By being nice to unpleasant governments, there is the vague hope that a spirit of benevolence will spread, but the experience in countries such as Burma shows that this is a policy that is deeply flawed."
EUROPE
PORTUGAL: "Habibie's Legacy"
Centrist Diario de Noticias ran this commentary (10/21) by international editor Albano Matos: "Now that Soeharto's acolyte has been removed from the presidency, it is time to recognize that Habibie is responsible for some of the most important steps in the transition: freedom of the press, the opening for the formation of political parties, release of political prisoners, the initiative for a referendum which led to the irreversible independence of East Timor (without forgetting the terrible drama which accompanied this whole process, and still does). It is a gigantic legacy for a weak leader, who left without honor or glory, engulfed in a torrent of crisis and financial scandals. This should not be forgotten in the current enthusiasm."
GERMANY: "East Timor's New Freedom"
Daniel Kerstenholz stressed in an editorial in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (11/1): "After 24 years of Indonesian occupation, Indonesia has now withdrawn its last soldiers. In spite of the tens of thousands of dead, all sides involved have signaled their willingness for a new beginning without raising any preconditions.... East Timor can be happy that it has such a leader as Xanana Gusmao. Indonesia is now trying to restore its old friendship with Australia; U.S. Defense Secretary Cohen is thinking of resuming military relations with Jakarta, and Indonesia's new President Wahid plans to receive Gusmao personally during his upcoming visit in November. Does this mean that everything is now OK again? A genocide trial on East Timor remains unlikely. In Kosovo, coroners have been collecting evidence since the end of the NATO bombing. In the case of East Timor, however, the UN Human Rights Commission has not yet appointed an official investigator. Is this the price of Indonesia's gift of freedom?'"
ITALY: "Xanana's Return"
A report from Dili in centrist, influential La Stampa stated (10/23): "Hailed like a hero, dressed like a guerrilla, the leader of East Timor resistance, 'Xanana' Gusmao, has returned to Dili from Darwin, Australia.... In a speech which was the first true symbol of regained independence for the Timorese people, he warned them 'to leave aside the bad things they have done to us,' since 'the future is ours.'"
"Timor--First Test For Indonesia's New President"
The news analysis section of provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio pointed out (10/23): "The first test for the new Indonesian president is the resolution of the Timor issue.... The Jakarta government will have to move in such a way as to prevent independence in East Timor from becoming an example for other islands or regions where autonomist trends have already emerged. Should these become stronger, the Indonesian armed forces which, for the time being, have withdrawn to the margins of political life, would make their action felt again. But the real political issue is Wahid's succession which could take place, given his poor health, before the expiration of his five-year mandate.
"Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri, who would become president in that case, has some to time to prepare herself for this role, familiarizing herself with the problems of the country and expanding the base of her support."
RUSSIA: "Australia Likely To Call Shots In East Timor"
Dmitry Zharikov concluded in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (10/27): "Apparently, the Australians seek not only geopolitical stability in the 'near abroad' but economic gain as well. Being in East Timor will make it easier for them to influence its policies as a new member of the international community."
DENMARK: "Indonesia's Choice"
Center-right Berlingske Tidende's editorial indicated (10/21): "One positive outcome [of the election] is the Indonesian parliament's annulment of the 1978 decision to annex East Timor. This is a commitment on Indonesia's part to support East Timor's struggle for independence and should include active opposition against the pro-Indonesian militias that continue to terrorize East Timor."
IRELAND: "Pursuing Human Rights In East Timor"
The moderately conservative Irish Times asserted (10/19): "That such wanton damage could be done so rapidly and publicly by the Indonesian military and militias, reinforces demands for those responsible to be identified and punished for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The mandate for a tribunal, agreed at the recent meeting of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, is unsatisfactory, and Indonesia has announced it will not cooperate. But this should not deflect the tribunal from pursuing its investigation to a firm conclusion."
NORWAY: "Insecure Future For Indonesia"
Leading, conservative Aftenposten ramarked (10/21): "The Consultative Assembly has now official accepted East-Timor's sovereignty after 24 years of Indonesian occupation. But this loss is unpleasant for the army, which has also received accusations for brutal actions. Abdurrahman Wahid might be the unifying person in an Indonesia that has been characterized by ethnic, religious and economical conflicts. If he gets the chance."
SPAIN: "Indonesia On The Edge"
Independent El Mundo observed (10/21): "The world's fourth most populous country (and the first among Islamic states) could slide towards civil war and national disintegration or take the path towards democracy, long overdue after 54 years of independence.... Abdurrahman Wahid, a sick man who is nearly blind and has suffered two strokes, has been elected president amidst violence, serious disturbances in East Timor, and separatism springing up in several parts of the vast archipelago.... Bur rather than fall into obsessive lamentations and recriminations, Indonesia needs to come back from the abyss and look to its fragile but moderate and pro-Western leader for guidance."
"Task For A Titan"
Liberal El Pais commented (10/21): "Indonesia is now a pressure cooker.... In the midst of its worst economic and political crises in decades, with millions living in the streets, suffering under staggering foreign debt and pervasive corruption, and plagued by widespread ethnic and religious strife, while those favoring independence are hardly limited to East Timor. The Herculean task set before him would appear to exceed the strength that Indonesia's first elected president may be able to muster."
SWEDEN: "Hard Times In Indonesia"
Social Democratic, afternoon Aftonbladet emphasized (10/21): "Indonesia is characterized by adamant conflicts between people and regions.... Only the late in coming UN effort saved the independence of East Timor, and to nationalists willing to use force, East Timor has become an omen of the dissolution of Indonesia.... The question now is whether Abdurrahman Wahid is a leader who is capable enough to keep the bleeding giant together?"
SOUTH ASIA
INDIA: "India's Place In The World"
This analysis by noted economist Ashok V. Desai ran in the pro-economic-reforms Business Standard (10/26): "India is not the United States, or even China; our government should work harder in making friends, and should keep out of affairs that do not concern us, such as Kosovo and East Timor. The external affairs ministry has never got out of the mold in which it was cast in the days of Nehruvian non-alignment. If foreign policy is to be subordinated to economic policy [and] if India is to adopt a more low profile and friendly stance, a major change in the attitude of the foreign service is necessary. What is really necessary is to raise the quality of the foreign service and to retrain it. The members of the foreign service are trained to be indefatigable talkers; they should be trained to be good listeners, information gatherers and facilitators of Indian business."
"Indonesia's New Era"
An editorial in the centrist Times of India contended (10/23): "After several tumultuous months of uncertainty punctuated by street protests, murderous riots and the secession of East Timor, Indonesia finally seems poised on the edge of a new era.... After 35 years of Soehartoism, Indonesia has become a turbulent and unruly place. As one of the epicentres of the financial quake that rocked Southeast Asia's markets last year, the country is still in the grip of a severe economic crisis.... Crime and social tensions have increased along with poverty, and violent ethnic clashes have broken out in Aceh and other islands. To Mr. Habibie's credit, he did not allow any of these problems to come in the way of the democratization process. He ensured that the UN-sponsored referendum on East Timor's independence took place, even if he failed subsequently to ensure that the army-sponsored pro-Indonesian militias respect the verdict.... Now that Indonesia seems to have turned its back on the crony capitalism of the Soeharto era, foreign investors might come back. Nevertheless, Mr. Wahid should guard against excessive dependence on foreign capital. As an oil-rich nation of 200 million people, it is time for Indonesia to stand up and be counted."
"Unexpected Winner"
Nationalist Hindustan Times held (10/22): "Ms. Megawati has done well to plead for calm and her supporters should avoid being bad losers.... Now that parliament has approved the referendum verdict in East Timor, Indonesia will be able to extricate itself from the terrible mess there. Whether Mr. Wahid will be able to use his moral authority to heal the past wounds remains to be seen."
PAKISTAN: 'East Timor Vs. Kashmir"
In the editorial view of second-largest Urdu-language Nawa-e-Waqt (10/26): "The UN has been dominated by the United States' agenda since the inception of a unipolar world. As it was once said, the 'U' stands for United States and the 'N' for 'No.'... The East Timor issue came on the UN agenda recently, and a decision was taken immediately. The Kashmir issue has been pending with the UN for the last 50 years, which speaks of the institution's partiality."
"U.S. Tilt Toward India?"
Under the above headline, the center-right Nation averred (10/24): "On the same altar, the champions of human rights, who actively intervened in Yugoslavia and enforced a settlement in East Timor to secure these rights, are sacrificing the lives of Kashmiris.... Whatever the reason for Washington's preference for India, it must not forget that only a just and fair solution of Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of its people, can bring peace to the region."
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
BRAZIL: "Militias Must Disarmed; Criminals Arrested"
Liberal Folha de Sao Paulo featured this op-ed page byliner by the spokesman of Amnesty International's Brazilian office (10/20), who stated: "A bloodbath preceeded the birth of an independent nation, but terror [in East Timor] continues.... The militias must be immediately disarmed and demobilized, while their criminals must be arrested and sued. The responsibilities for the atrocities must be identified within the military and paramilitary command hierarchy. Those responsible must be judged in courts in Indonesia or another nation, according to the universal principles of jurisdiction for crimes against mankind.... The victims of the militias or of the security forces and their dependents are entitled to reparations.... The responsibility for the maintenance of law and order is now exclusively that of the peace force.... The supply of military equipment to the Indonesian government must be suspended while violations and impunity persist. British Hawk fighters and Belgian Herstal rifles are among the weapons used to chase and murder the Timorese. If business is business, it is advantageous to check for possible failures in the law and in the vigilance of the trade of terror."
##
For more information, please contact:
U.S. Department of State
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Telephone: (202) 619-6511
10/29/99
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