Text: Feb. 14 State Department News Release on Indonesian General
(U.S. supports Indonesian Government's decision on Wiranto)

State Department Spokesman James Rubin issued a release February 14 that says the United States supports Indonesia's democratic and constitutional government and that Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid "has exercised his constitutional authority to suspend General Wiranto as Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs" pending the outcome of further investigations into his involvement in human rights abuses committed in East Timor.

Following is the text of the news release:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release
February 14, 2000
#2000/150

STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN

INDONESIA -- PRESIDENT WAHID'S SUSPENSION OF GENERAL WIRANTO

The United States strongly supports democratic and constitutional government. President Abdurrahman Wahid has exercised his constitutional authority to suspend General Wiranto as Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs pending the outcome of further investigations into his involvement in human rights abuses committed in East Timor.

President Wahid's action comes after General Wiranto was named in preliminary findings by international and Indonesian investigations. President Wahid's action reflects his government's intention to seriously address charges against individuals alleged to be responsible for human rights abuses in East Timor. This is a significant step forward in development of democracy and rule of law in Indonesia after decades of authoritarian rule.

We also strongly support President Wahid's determination to assert civilian control over the military leadership. The Indonesian people have clearly indicated that they see the Indonesian military as an institution in need of reform, and strong civilian control over the military is a key element in a true democracy. The military is in the midst of an important transition as part of Indonesia's broader democratic transformation. President Wahid's decision to investigate the actions of individual military officers identified as suspects in past abuses promises to strengthen the institution of the military. In addition, a transparent process of accountability will help accelerate the internal reform process it has already begun.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: usinfo.state.gov)

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