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Monday, 09/11/2000
Indonesian Defense Minister Mahfud MD:
We Can Cancel The Truce
Reporter: Khairul Ikhwan / BI
detikworld - Medan,The Indonesian minister of defense, Mahfud MD
has stated that his government have all the right to cancel the
second phase of the humanitarian pause, if the pause found to be
detrimental to Indonesia. His statement was told to a group of
journalists at the conclusion of a forum on Monday (11/9/2000) in
Medan.
In that opportunity Mahfud told of journalists that, "Government
can take an unshared decision if violations on the humanitarian
pause continued by GAM. The movement have benefited far more from
this truce. Military and the police are prohibited to commit an
offensive, whereas they (GAM) have recruited personnel and gathered
weaponry."
The Humanitarian Pause is a truce agreed by Indonesian government
and GAM. It has been sponsored under Henry Dunant centre in
Switzerland. It is aimed to promote tolerance and to reduce the arm
conflict between the two warring sides. Recently the truce has been
extended on its second phase, but to Jakarta dissatisfaction it
will not be continue when the truce expired at the end of this
year. Since the truce has been applied the tension has remained
tense. Ordinary civilians again being the most affected victims,
while both sides have blamed each other for renewing the conflict.
Fear, intimidation and bullet still rule in this region.
Despite the on going carnage, the minister has boasted his
military. He believes that it has the power to counter strike and
overcome the increasing resistance both in Aceh and Irian. However
his government wish to resolve the problem diplomatically and in
civil manner.
The recent news about 4 civilians slain by the military on Sunday
(10/9/2000) has again marred the purpose of the truce. However the
minister was unable to comment, citing he hasnt got enough
information regarding the allegation.
"You may have visited the place, but I havent been there yet," said
Mahfud referring to the journalists. He reiterated that there would
be no compromise if either Irian or Aceh are demanding a full
independence from Indonesia. Nonetheless he stated that there is a
possibility that both regions may receive of special autonomy
status. "Therefore it is only up to special autonomy status but not
a separation from the Indonesian Sovereignty."
The minister also admitted that lately his government have been
barrage by critics and condemnations from the international
community, including the UN. Its security forces has been on the
double in controlling disturbances and terrorism, and it has shown
a fatigue signs and definitely failed to live up to its purpose.
The evidence of this failure had been shown in the slaying of 3 UN
workers recently in West Timor, the bombing and bomb threats in
Jakarta and the continuing ethnic clashes in Ambon and North
Maluku.
Despite its security inefficiency, the minister has defended that
Indonesian security resources have been stretched almost to a
breaking point. "The UN also at fault in the case of East Timor, as
they have been inconsequent with the problem. But no one has spoke
of it," he said ambiguously.
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