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| The Role of the International Community |
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The international community has been closely monitoring human rights developments in Indonesia. During former President Wahid's term, it expressed concern over the Indonesian government’s response to regional conflicts and other sources
of instability. It remains to be seen how President Megawati will handle these issues.
The UN has insisted that Indonesian efforts to bring the perpetrators of the Timor violence to trial must be “credible”,
in accordance with international human rights principles.” In West Timor the UN has denounced the continuing violence and
insists that the Indonesian government take immediate steps to disarm and disband the militias believed to be responsible.
More recently, UNHCR has expressed dismay over the light sentences imposed by an Indonesian court in early May 2001 on six
men involved in the brutal killing of three international aid workers from UNHCR.
Please click here for CNN Report “U.N. cries foul over Timor verdict”.
In February 2000, the European Commission issued a policy paper, “Developing Closer Relations between Indonesia and
the European Union”, in which it signaled the importance of human rights to these relations. The EU has consistently declared
its support for Indonesian national integrity but urged dialogue as a means of resolving regional conflicts.
Please click here for the full text of this document:
During the Clinton administration, the United States expressed interest in developing a strong relationship with Wahid but
spoke forcefully on the need to disarm and disband militias in West Timor, and for accountability for past military
atrocities.
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