Text: Statement of Defense Secretary on Indonesian Army Sept. 30
("The military is at a critical turning point")The United States will not consider restoring normal military relations with Indonesia until the Indonesian military restores order in East Timor and takes reforms underway by protecting human rights and operating under civilian control, Defense Secretary William Cohen said.
In a statement released September 30 after his meeting with Indonesia's General Wiranto, Cohen said he warned General Wiranto that the Indonesian military is at "a critical turning point."
If the Indonesian military "contributes to a peaceful solution in East Timor," Defense Secretary said, "they will be acting in a manner consistent with Indonesia's national interests and international obligations." "If, on the other hand, they permit or participate, openly or behind the scenes, they will do severe damage to the country they are sworn to defend," he said.
Cohen urged General Wiranto "to make the right choice."
Cohen said he wanted to see "an Indonesia that is democratic, prosperous, united and stable." For that reason, the United States will eagerly assist Indonesia's transition to democracy and its economic development, he added, only if the Indonesian military reforms itself and meets its international obligation.
Following is the text of Cohen's statement:
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Statement by U.S. Defense Secretary William S. Cohen
after meeting with General WirantoThe United States strongly supports Indonesia's transition to democracy. Our goal is an Indonesia that is democratic, prosperous, united and stable.
The Indonesian military has an important contribution to make to that process as it reforms itself. The separation of the armed forces from the police was a significant step toward enabling the Indonesian armed forces to concentrate on their primary role of national defense. During the elections in June, the Indonesian military played a positive role by remaining neutral.
But in recent months elements in the military have aided and abetted violence in East Timor.
I told General Wiranto that the military is at a critical turning point.
If it supports the government's policy, contributes to a peaceful solution in East Timor, investigates and punishes those guilty of improper behavior, disarms the militia in West Timor and prevents them from destabilizing East Timor, they will be acting in a manner consistent with Indonesia's national interests and international obligations. If, on the other hand, they permit or participate, openly or behind the scenes, in further aiding and abetting violence in East Timor, they will do severe damage to the country they are sworn to defend.
I urged General Wiranto to make the right choice.
In response to violence in East Timor, the U.S. has suspended military programs with Indonesia and begun a review of economic and other bilateral assistance.
In our discussion, I made it clear that the U.S. will not consider restoring normal military to military contacts until the TNI reforms its ways. The military must show restraint and respect for human rights throughout Indonesia. It must be clear that the military operates under civilian control.
When the MPR (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat: Parliament) convenes tomorrow, Indonesia will take an important step in its transformation toward democracy as it selects a new president. The military can play a key role by allowing a process that is legitimate and credible, or it can destroy hope for a peaceful transition by refusing to respect human right and the rule of law.
If the military can help restore order and opportunity in East Timor and aid a successful democratic transition by respecting human rights and operating under civilian control, the U.S. will enthusiastically support Indonesia through the difficult challenges of economic restructuring and institution building.
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