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Statement by
Since this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor this month, let me begin by expressing our congratulations on your assumption as the President of the Security Council for March 2003. Let me also convey my Government’s sincere condolences for the tragic loss of five South Korean peacekeepers in Timor-Leste to the Government of the Republic of South Korea and to their family. Mr. President, My delegation takes note of the Secretary-General’s report describing the recent changes taking place in, and the challenges faced by, the Government and people of Timor-Leste, particularly with regard to security-related issues. However, permit me first to underline the significant improvements in our bilateral relations with Timor-Leste since last year. The convening of trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Australia as well as the first Ministerial Meeting of the Southwest Pacific Dialogue have already laid the foundations of a cooperative framework which promises to strengthen and build our relations. Since the 1st meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in October 2002, several follow-up technical meetings and contacts, including both official and private sector visits, have greatly served to boost our relations on the basis of reconciliation, mutual respect and a forward-looking stance. In addition, we see the opening
of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta as a concrete step towards
further facilitating consultations and cooperation between our two
countries. This initiative should go a long way towards promoting,
on a lasting basis, our existing friendly relations and our ongoing
mutual cooperation. For its part, Indonesia will reciprocate this
positive development in the very near future. As a result, I would
like to underline the fact that the relationship between Indonesia
and Timor-Leste has been indeed flourishing at all levels. I therefore
firmly believe that this deserves the strong support of this Council
and the international community. My Government should like to express its deep concern and sympathy to the Government and people of Timor-Leste, concerning the security incidents that have occurred over the past few months. Indeed, it is our view that we should deal with them in a meticulous and vigilant manner. It is also of critical importance that we seek to avoid any terminologies or references that do not fully reflect the situation on the ground and not build a conclusion upon these sketchy foundations. Indeed such an approach only serves to aggravate the situation, and could eventually play into the hands of certain groups or parties that want to take advantage of it. That does not work towards the greater good of both countries and our growing relationship that is based on mutual respect and a progressive outlook. Mr. President, I can assure you that the reconciliation process that has been propelling our positive bilateral relations over the past year is an ongoing one. Therefore, we are disappointed to note that the report of the Secretary-General still refers to the involvement of “supported militias” in the incidents that occurred in Timor-Leste. Indeed, the blame should go to UNMISET for its deliberate ignorance in the way that it seeks to protect the people from criminal elements. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that these unfortunate incidents should not be allowed to disrupt the growing and promising relationships between Timor-Leste and its neighboring countries. Indonesia continues to support the building of a strong, united and democratic Timor-Leste. Thank you.
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