The United Nations Security Council yesterday decided to extend the presence of UNTAET in Timor Lorosae till early 2002. However, Indonesia warned that the extension of UNTAET's mandate must not have any hidden agenda that could affect Jakarta.

Before the 15-member Security Council made the decision, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented his report outling the main achievements of UNTAET and the reasons why the mission's mandate needed to be extended.

Indonesia's Ambassador to the UN, Makmur Widodo, made an interjection. He said in connection to the aid given to Timor Lorosae, Indonesia had two points of view under the new administration of Megawati Sukarnoputri.

He said the two points supported the extension of UNTAET's mandate, which was intended to help the people of Timor Lorosae and the country on its path to full independence.

However the Indonesian ambassador said in all negotiations with Timor Lorosae, Indonesia will always adhere to "defending its territorial integrity and national security". "Therefore if there are other interests detrimental to Indonesia, Jakarta will reject the extension of UNTAET's mandate," said Makmur.

At the Security Council session, several countries urged President Megawati to honor Indonesia's commitment to recognizing Timor Lorosae's existence.