Annan praises Indonesia’s determination over East Timor follow-up.
15 February - Secretary-General Kofi Annan Tuesday praised
the efforts of the Indonesian Government to uphold the rule of law and
prosecute those suspected of involvement in atrocities in East Timor.
The Secretary-General, who
arrived in Jakarta today on the latest leg of his Asian tour, was speaking to reporters shortly after meeting the
Indonesian Foreign Minister, Alwi Shihab.
The UN wanted to see those
accused of crimes in East Timor brought to trial and made accountable, Mr.
Annan said. "The Government of Indonesia has demonstrated its determination
to do just that. And if it is mounting
a credible trial and prosecuting these people, I suspect the Security Council
would not rush to set up a competing international tribunal."
On the plight of the East
Timorese refugees in West Timor, the Secretary-General had insisted that full access
to the people in the camps was essential.
In their meeting, Mr. Annan and the Foreign Minister also discussed the recent suspension from the Indonesian cabinet of the security minister and former military chief, General Wiranto, a UN spokeswoman at New York Headquarters said. She quoted the Foreign Minister as saying, "We are all in a good mood," as he expressed relief that the crisis had passed. Mr. Shihab also expressed hope that the issues of Aceh, Ambon and the Moluccas would be resolved.
Mr. Annan later met the Speaker
of the Indonesian Parliament, Akbar Tandjung, as well as with UN staff and representatives
of UN agencies.
