National

Indonesia Still Refuses Establishment of International Court
Thursday, 07 July, 2005 | 20:48 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian government has refused the establishment of an international court for human rights violation cases in East Timor following the 1999 ballot.

“From the beginning, we have refused this because we know it is not a way to settle this matter,” said Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda before attending a cabinet meeting at the presidential office on Tuesday (05/07).

As reported earlier, the United Nations (UN) Expert Commission has recommended a re-trial for human rights violation cases in East Timor following the 1999 ballot or an establishment of an international trial for these case.

According to Wirajuda, several recommendations of the Expert Commission are not in line with the guidelines of the commission itself.

“First, based on the analysis, the Expert Commission will give a recommendation that can be imposed politically. Second, the Expert Commission can support efforts made by the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation formed by Indonesia and East Timor towards the settlement process through the reconciliation,” said the Foreign Minister.

According to Wirajuda, the Expert Commission wishes to see both processes--trials and reconciliation processes--carried out.

“If they still want both, it means that they only want to receive benefits for themselves. It will be good for them, but not for us,” said the Foreign Minister.

Wirajuda said that Indonesia was yet to deliver its official stance to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General in relation to the recommendations made by the Expert Commission.

However, in conducting these lobbies, the Indonesian government has already made its stance clear.

“We will send letters to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General and to the Security Council,” he said.
(DIMAS ADITYO-Tempo News Room)