DATE=5/24/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S - INDONESIA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-262782
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=PENTAGON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-S officials say the Pentagon is making
small, cautious steps toward renewing relations
with Indonesia's military. All military ties
between Washington and Jakarta were severed eight
months ago, following massacres in East Timor
that left hundreds of people dead. V-O-A's Jim
Randle reports, human rights groups say it is too
soon for Washington to resume relations with
Indonesia's forces.
TEXT: A Pentagon official calls the process `phased
reengagement' and says the slight thaw in relations
follows improvements in Indonesia's human rights
practices.
The first step was an invitation to 10 Indonesian Air
Force officers to observe U-S, Thai and other forces
in a major military exercise in Thailand last month.
In July, a larger number of Indonesian personnel will
join - not just watch - a large exercise in South
East Asia with U-S troops.
State Department spokesman Phil Reeker says the
Indonesian government is working to establish civilian
control of the military and hold top officers
accountable for human rights abuses in East Timor.
After the province voted for independence from
Indonesia last September, Army units were blamed
for allowing -- and even encouraging -- armed
groups to attack independence supporters and burn
their homes.
After taking office late last year, Indonesian
President Abdurrahman Wahid fired powerful Armed
Forces Chief, General Wiranto, who is now under
investigation.
But human rights activists, including John Miller
of the East Timor Action Network say that's not
enough.
/// Miller act ///
Every time the U-S moves to reward, and
that's how the Indonesian military sees it,
reward the Indonesian military, they take
it as a signal to continue their human
rights abuses.
/// end act ///
Mr. Miller says he welcomes the improved human
rights climate in Indonesia, but says most of the
conditions that prompted Washington cut ties have
not changed.
/// Miller act ///
Refugees (from East Timor) are still
lingering in West Timor, there are still
threats along the border. Human rights
abuses by the Indonesian military continue,
throughout Indonesia, and the Indonesian
military remains heavily involved in
politics.
/// end act ///
Mr. Miller says a bill to block renewed ties is
pending in the U-S Congress, and a similar
measure will be introduced soon in the U-S
Senate. (Signed)
NEB/PT
24-May-2000 19:26 PM EDT (24-May-2000 2326 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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