E&OE....................................................................................................
PRESIDENT HABIBIE:
Shall I start? First of all I like to thank you for being here. I
had a good four eyes meeting with His Excellency the Prime Minister
of Australia and afterward I had discussion with the Prime Minister
and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defence of
Australia. And on my side I was assisted also by the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Minister of Defence and the States Minister of Indonesia
and of course other Excellencies of Australia and Indonesia.
We discussed several issues about the East Timor issue, about the
co-operation between Indonesia and Australia and economic co-operations
for sustainable growth and [inaudible] co-operation of our economic
societies. And I have informed His Excellency the Prime Minister that
I just received yesterday a report from the Indonesian Foreign Minister,
His Excellency Mr Ali Alatas, who just arrived from New York that
the MOU draft which was being discussed and negotiated three party
between the United Nations, Portugal and Indonesia and the draft was
given to me several months ago and I have discussed it thoroughly
with a special team of nine ministers and myself from one paragraph
to the other and afterwards the final discussion was discussed in
the full Cabinet Meeting before we approved changes and approved the
result of the MOU discussed and developed by our Foreign Minister
and Foreign Minister of Portugal and the Special Ambassador of the
United Nation for the East Timor case. Recalling to the general assembly
resolution of number 5514, 5541, 2625 and the [inaudible] resolution
and decision adopted by the Security Counsel and the General Assembly
on the question of East Timor. Also bearing in mind the sustained
effort of the Government of Indonesia and Portugal since July 1983.
Looking for a just, comprehensive and international acceptable solution
and the fact that on 5 August 1998 we offer from Indonesia special
autonomy for East Timor and afterwards it has been developed from
a special autonomy to just, free, transparent and democratic ballot
that East Timor people will get the freedom and the chance to determine
their own destiny in peace. It will provide two options, the option
which they will get special autonomy if they decided for integration
with Indonesia and the other is the option we will separate in peace
as friends and in honour.
Our proposal, or what you call that, based on the preliminary work
of the United Nation together with Indonesia and Portugal and afterward
corrected by Indonesian Government has been accepted. So there was
another draft agreement where the proposal was on the subject how
then to implement that ballot. And so I have studied it, and I agree,
I have approved the draft given to me by the three party negotiation
and also how to implement agreement regarding security arrangement
for East Timor popular consultation process.
So while the what you call the draft agreement between the
Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of Portugal on the question
of East Timor is planned to be signed on the fifth of May and together
with that, that will be signed of course by the Foreign Minister of
Portugal, His Excellency Jami Gama and the Indonesian Foreign Minister,
His Excellency, Mr Alatas. Witnessed by His Excellency, the Secretary
General of the United Nation, Kofi Annan. And the arrangement regarding
the security arrangement on the East Timor popular consultation process
will signed by the three party so in this case, the
draft tell me that the Secretary General himself is not acting as
witness but he has signed because there are certain things which will
be taken over done by the United Nations.
So the other thing it will be informed to the world in New York on
5th. I cannot do that. But I tell you that I have accepted
the whole draft without any changes to be signed on fifth of May this
year. Because the spirit of this two of what you call the draft and
addendum to that MOU for the special autonomy which will be then given
to East Timor is an addendum of that agreement and that has also been
accepted. So theoretically there's no reason not take it for
granted that indeed I hope that on the fifth of May then we have started
to work peacefully together with the Commission on Peace and Stability
which was established in Dili, you know that on the 21st
April 1999, and two days afterwards it was already working to the
right direction that we will work with them together to meet the conditioning
that indeed the people of East Timor will get a fair chance to decide
it for their future.
So this was our discussion and of course it was also a discussion
about the fact that in the draft agreement regarding security arrangement
was also mentioned which I fully agreed and accepted that the United
Nations will make available a number of civilian police officers to
act as advisers to the Indonesian police in the discharge of their
duties.
And so on ... that be my commitment and my friend that I happen
to be, I have the privilege to be the friend of his Excellency the
Prime Minister. We knew each other when I was still responsible for
science and technology and His Excellency was the, what do you call
it, the Leader of the Opposition correct?
PRIME MINISTER:
Yes.
PRESIDENT HABIBIE:
Yes, it is so. So, I'd like to tell you that the relations between
my country, Indonesia, and Australia is excellent. And especially
the relation between the people of Indonesia and Australia starting
from the Prime Minister to the Opposition and the people, including
the press please. Because you have to be very critical, it is good.
So that is concerning East Timor. The other, I think your Excellency,
I ask you a favour to make some comment on that. Will you comment
first and then we go to the next thing, okay.
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, thank you very much Mr President. Can I thank you and the Foreign
Minister, Mr Alatas, and General Wiranto and all the other members
of your delegation for an excellent meeting. I especially enjoyed
and derived a lot of benefit from our one-and-a -half hour personal
discussion which was the longest opportunity we'd had on a one-one
one basis to talk over a whole range of issues. As I indicated to
the President, I have come to Indonesia today as a friend both personally
and as the leader of the Government and a nation which has had a long
friendship with the people of Indonesia. And that has been a friendship
that has gone through better times and worse times, it is a friendship
that will continue into the future.
I also come as somebody who believes that the steps the President
has taken to change some of the institutions of Indonesia and most
particularly the very significant change in policy in relation to
East Timor. The steps the President has taken have perhaps not received
as much recognition in some parts of the world as they deserve. And
I want to say that in relation to both of those issues the President
has shown great leadership and great strength and he deserves very
considerable applause and support for having done that.
And I also come as the leader of a country that understands very well
the difficulties Indonesia is facing economically and the great change
that has been imposed on Indonesian society by those difficulties
and also to congratulate the President and his Government on the steps
that they have taken to stabilise their exchange rate, to reduce their
rate of inflation and to build for the future when the strength of
the Indonesian economy will once more be resumed. I have always held
the view that Indonesia suffered more than it deserved in relation
to the Asian economic downturn. And as an earnest of our ongoing commitment
to the economic future of Indonesia I informed the President today
that Australia would undertake later this year the sponsorship within
Indonesia of a foreign investment conference designed to send a very
clear message to the rest of the world that we regard the Indonesian
economy in the longer term in a very positive light. We recognise
the importance of foreign investment to this country and we also recognise
the great steps that have been taken by the Indonesian Government
to fight the economic difficulties that have been visited upon us.
We are, of course, all aware and the President and I discussed the
events in Timor over the past few weeks, I underlined to him the importance
of the steps that had been taken by General Wiranto which I very strongly
support, the commitment made to winding down violence, the commitment
made to greater peace and greater stability within the province of
Timor. I recognise the difficulties faced but I also recognise very
genuinely the commitment that the President and his Government have
made to a process which will allow a full and free choice by the people
of East Timor. And when you read the words of the United Nations Agreement
which have been repeated in part by the President today you recognise
the very significant change in policy and attitude that has occurred.
And I think it is important that the reset of the world understand
and embrace that and it is important that the significance of the
change given the history of the province's situation be recognised.
We agreed, as the President alluded to, that an adequate number of
civilian police officers as advisers will be required consistent with
the agreement regarding security to be signed by the United Nations.
A number of other matters were discussed and agreed between the President
and myself. The first of those is that there has been an agreement
to accelerate the opening of a consulate in Dili, an Australian consulate
in Dili. And the aim is that that will occur as soon as possible after
the autonomy package has been signed that we hope by the end of May
and the details of that are to be followed up between our two Foreign
Ministers.
I informed the President that Australia would make a contribution
to the UN consultation package, the total cost of which has been estimated
by the General Secretary at about $30 million American dollars, that
we would make a total contribution of $20 million Australian comprising
$10 million in cash and $10 million in logistical support.
It's also been agreed between us that as soon as feasible an Australian
medical team will be sent to East Timor. This is a matter that had
been previously raised and the President has very readily agreed to
that occurring. And there's also been an agreement that there will
be enhanced presence of international agencies such as the International
Red Cross.
I believe, Mr President and ladies and gentlemen, that it has been
an extremely productive and an extremely valuable meeting. It matched
the circumstances of the relationship and the value of the relationship
and the depth of the relationship. The two countries have been through
a great deal together. We have a shared common interest in the security
and the stability of our region. And although the particular issue
which brought us together was the issue of East Timor it is the long-term
strength of the relationship which has provided the backdrop to the
discussions that have taken place today.
The President has made a number of important declarations of policy.
I don't think any of us should underestimate the significance of his
announcing today the full approval of the United Nations agreement
by the Government of Indonesia and the intention of the Foreign Minister
of Indonesia to sign that agreement in New York on the fifth of May.
If you read again the wording of that agreement it is, given the history
of recent times, it is a very significant document and it is a document
for which the President of Indonesia deserves a great deal of credit
and a great deal of praise.
So can I say to you, Mr President, that I have found it an extremely
valuable meeting, I think we have come a long way, I think we have
demonstrated the strength and the flexibility of the relationship.
As I said to you, close friends have the privilege of speaking to
each other on occasions with candour and frankness, occasionally disagreeing
on this or that but ultimately because we are close friends agreeing
on common purposes and common goals. And I believe that we have the
common goal now of seeing that East Timor which is part of the Republic
of Indonesia that the people of that province of Indonesia be given
the opportunity in terms laid down by the United Nations and agreed
to by Portugal and Indonesia be given the opportunity of voting on
their future. And the wording of the question designed by the United
Nations, the circumstances and the public commitments of so many people
to the importance and the integrity of that process are very, very
important achievements and very important advances. And I think the
two governments can feel very well satisfied and importantly the people
of East Timor can be reassured that a full and open process of consultation
will occur prior to the decision being taken by those people under
United Nations auspices early in August.
Again Mr President, I thank you very warmly indeed for your courtesy
and hospitality and it's very nice to be in Bali.
JOURNALIST:
This is a question for President Habibie: Can you give a commitment
to the disarming of all militias in East Timor irrespective of whether
there might be a separate agreement in relation to disarming Falintil?
PRESIDENT HABIBIE:
Well, I have asked the Foreign Minister, after reading the result
of the what you call it work and efforts done by Portugal
and Indonesia on the co-ordination of the United Nations and I did
not change any wording because I agree with what they suggested and
I convinced that it's the best way for the people of East Timor.
My biggest and only concern is for the innocent people of East Timor,
the majority of them, they should get a fair chance to decide it for
their own future and destiny in peace and in honour. And that's
all what I want. And so we are prepared to accept and respect whatever
they have decided. Okay? And to make it fair and open. I have full
confidence in the United Nations and I have given my suggestion, my
wish that the United Nations should invite six countries to assist
the United Nations for implementing all those agreements for what
you call that, ballot, on the eighth of August.
Why the eighth of August? Because the 29th of August we
have the People Assembly of Indonesia and I will have the honour on
that occasion to the new elected representative of the multi-parties
in the People Assembly to address as the President of the Republic
of Indonesia and within that address I will then report about the
result of East Timor so that we could then implement it in peace and
honour.
Now you should know that it was indeed the People Assembly in 1978
who make People Assembly decision for accepting East Timor on the
request of people from East Timor to become the 27th province
of Indonesia, but this province was never recognised by the world,
in this case represented by the United Nations. And because of that
we have that issue international of East Timor, because of that we
were critical on the general assembly resolution 1541 and 2625 and
then now I think after having the, so God will it, at the age good
implementation of the problem and the people have accepted the chance
given and the condition given and peace will be decided, their own
destiny then as the President of the Republic of Indonesia. Whatever
they have decided, whether integration or separation in peace and
honour as friend, I have to report it to the people assembly on the
29th of August.
So I see no problem from our side and I have asked that the United
Nations should invite first the Australian Government, second, the
United States Government, third, the Japanese Government, four, the
Philippines Government, fifth, the German, because they are acting
today as the Chairman of the European Common Market or European Community,
and six, the UK, British. But of course it is the request of the President
of the Republic of Indonesia and it is up to the United Nations to
add other nations to join the others with the United Nations to take
care that all the agreement could be implemented on schedule in peace
and honour. Okay? Please.
PRIME MINISTER:
Yes, Mr Barker?
JOURNALIST:
Sir, I'd like John ... from the Guardian in London.
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, actually I'd asked Mr Barker. I'm sorry. We'll
come to you.
JOURNALIST:
Mr President, how many United Nations supplied civilian police do
you think might be necessary to guarantee that that process can go
forward in the peace and honour that you've talked about and
Mr Prime Minister, have you given any undertaking that Australian
civilian police would be part of such a group?
PRESIDENT HABIBIE:
I'll leave it to the United Nation. I'm not an expert on
that and we have our agreement I will honour any decision of
the United Nation. Okay?
PRIME MINISTER:
Could I add that as I said earlier, the agreement between us was that
an adequate number will be required, it's not possible for me
and I'm not going to attempt, I'm in the same position as
the President, I can't make an expert judgement on that. We'll
obviously have a view as Australia to put to the United Nations, there
will be discussions and the adequate, the number, the adequate number
will be determined by the United Nations but it's an important
thing and that's why it's agreed that there should be an
adequate number. You asked in relation to Australia, we will of course
consider sympathetically a request from the United Nations.
JOURNALIST:
A question for President Habibie: Why do you particularly want the
UK to be among the six nations represented in the United Nations'
team?
PRESIDENT HABIBIE:
First of all, UK has an excellent relationship with Indonesia and
they are the second biggest investor after Japan in Indonesia. And
they have also, within their capabilities, always shown big interest
to my country and this region and with their accumulated experience.
All over the world, I think, it will be a good contribution for that
peaceful, what you call it, implementation.
JOURNALIST:
A question for Prime Minister Howard: With regard to the [inaudible]
parties in East Timor I get the feeling that Australia is inclined
to supporting the pro-independence movement. I guess there is a motive
there. Would you explain it to us, thank you?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, that's not correct. We don't take sides except in
favour of a free, open and genuine process of consultation. It is,
in fact, the current policy of the Australian Government, which I
re-expressed to the President today and I happily express it to you
again, that we believe that from everybody's point of view that
if the people of East Timor, in that free and open process of consultation,
were to express support for remaining an autonomous part of the Republic
of Indonesia that would be better for them, for the Republic and for
the region. That's been our policy and it remains our policy,
however, it is something in our view that should be in their hands.
And that if offered a free and open choice they opt for separation
then we would seek the implementation of that wish. And the President
has, earlier today, said that will occur because that's part
of the understanding, we would hope, that any transition would be
orderly and measured but in the end it is for them to decide. And
that is the significance of the agreement that was signed in New York,
that there's a commitment that that free choice take place and
in the end it is for them to decide. And I don't know that I
can add any more to that and I thank you very warmly.
JOURNALIST:
Prime Minister Howard, Paul Smith from the Ten Network. What guarantees
did you seek and what assurances were you given about the security
of not only the Australians who may go to East Timor but also the
East Timorese themselves under the security arrangements put in place
by the Indonesian authorities?
PRIME MINISTER:
Well, I made it very clear to the Indonesian Government, as I have
previously, that the Australian Government was concerned about developments,
in recent weeks in particular, and that it was essential that a greater
measure of stability be restored. It was essential that there be no
perception of blind eyes being turned to behaviour within that country.
I said all of those things with which the Australian press in particular
will be familiar from the comments that I have made recently. I also
recognise, of course, that you are dealing, as you should all recognise,
that you are dealing with a part of the sovereign republic of Indonesia
and it is not for other countries to attempt some kind of micro-definition
of each and every individual act which would take place in somebody
else's country. Others don't, or ought not, seek to do it
in relation to Australia and I don't seek to do it in relation
to Indonesia or, indeed, any other country. But it is part of the
agreement to which the President has referred. It is in one of the
recitals to the agreement that the responsibility for the national
defence of Indonesia rest with the armed forces. The responsibility
to keep law and order rest with the police. And there will be an augmentation
at an adviser level of those police. Now, we obviously will satisfy
ourselves in relation to the safety and the security of Australian
personnel who may go there. I'm not entirely sure in what number
they may go. It's too early to talk about that. There are Australians
who are employed at the UN who might go there as part of their work.
There are Australians who are on some world volunteer role for the
United Nations who may be asked to go. People will make individual
choices. We don't control the lives of individual Australians