The Indonesian military has criticised a move in the United States Congress to cut off an estimated 26-million dollars in military aid because of Indonesia's human rights record, particularly in East Timor.

A military spokesman, Colonel Sutan Iskandar, said Indonesia was NOT impressed by the move, being sponsored by a Republican Party Congressman, Patrick Kennedy.

He said Mr. Kennedy had become an overnight expert on East Timor, after a two-day visit to the province last year.

His comments came as a senior United States government official with responsibility for human rights issues prepared for a visit to East Timor, either tomorrow or Thursday.

The American Embassy in Jakarta said Under-Secretary of State, John Shattuk, had already met members of Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights to discuss the situation in East Timor.

Mr. Shattuck's visit is being kept low-key, and his arrival in Indonesia on Sunday was NOT even revealed until today.