DATE=2/1/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDONESIA-TIMOR REPORT REACT (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-258709
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Indonesia's ambassador to the United Nations,
Makarim Wibisono, is disputing a U-N report accusing
his country's military of involvement in human rights
violations, and says there is no need for an
international tribunal for East Timor. V-O-A
Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United
Nations.
TEXT: Mr. Wibisono told reporters his government does
not approve of the methods used by an International
Commission of Inquiry. The commission charges that
the Indonesian military supported and directed
militias that engaged in human rights violations in
East Timor last year. Those violations allegedly
included murder, rape and arson. But Mr. Wibisono
questioned the commission's investigative techniques.
/// Wibisono Act ///
The gathering of the information by the
International Commission of Inquiry was
conducted in non-judicial settings as well as
being one-sided. Also, it is the Indonesian
position that, based on both the procedural and
substantive methods, we can not agree with the
work of the International Commission of Inquiry.
/// End Act ///
The Indonesian ambassador was also strongly critical
of the commission's recommendation that an
international tribunal be established to conduct
criminal trials for those accused of human rights
violations in East Timor. Mr. Wibisono pointed out
that his nation's National Human Rights Commission has
also uncovered evidence that Indonesia's military
leaders were involved in human rights abuses in East
Timor. Mr. Wibisono said Indonesia's attorney general
will now decide how to proceed, and the ambassador
expressed confidence that justice will be done.
/// Wibisono Act ///
The new, democratic Indonesia is committed to
the promotion of human rights. The new
government of Indonesia is committed to bring
all perpetrators of the violations of human
rights to justice. Also, the new government of
Indonesia under President Abdurrahman Wahid will
do as much as it can to ensure the proper
accountability through judicial process.
/// End Act ///
At the United Nations, diplomats say it is unlikely
there will be pressure for an international tribunal
for East Timor as long as the Indonesian government is
making a good faith effort to prosecute those
responsible for the human rights violations in East
Timor. (Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/JP
01-Feb-2000 17:03 PM EDT (01-Feb-2000 2203 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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