East Timor Convinced it Can Solve Reconciliation Matter

Thursday, 27 October, 2005 | 22:28 WIB

East Timor is convinced that Indonesia and East Timor will be able to solve the reconciliation matter.

Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki made this statement after receiving East Timorese Ambassador for Indonesia Arlindo Maecal at TNI headquarters (HQ) in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday (26/10).

“East Timorese Ambassador for Indonesia was convinced that the Indonesian and East Timorese governments would solve the reconciliation matter despite opposition from several people,” stated Basuki.

According to Basuki, the East Timorese government is convinced that the reconciliation is the best solution to past problems in order to build a partnership between the two countries.

For both parties, the challenge of the future is more important than temporary problems. However, East Timor is committed to settling the current problems.

The visit of Maecal, accompanied by East Timorese councilor Roberto S. de Oliveira, was not aimed at discussing the problem of borders between Indonesia and East Timor nor the problem of the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation.

However, both parties agreed to exchange information on the current problems between the two countries. “There is an agreement between Indonesia and East Timor to exchange information in order to come to an understanding on existing problems,” stated Basuki. (Fanny Febiana-Tempo News Room)

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