Jakarta – Despite strong opposition from a senior minister, East Timor President Xanana Gusmao is being firm in his decision to go ahead with a scheduled Saturday meeting in Bali with presidential aspirant Gen. (ret) Wiranto, who has been indicted by a United Nations-backed East Timorese court for crimes against humanity in the former Indonesian territory.
Foreign minister Ramos Horta said he had told Gusmao it was not wise to meet Wiranto before Indonesia's direct presidential election on July 5, because it could send the wrong message to both countries.
"I would say it is not appropriate. If Wiranto really wants to speak to Xanana, they should wait until after the election. Election time is always a very sensitive period, it can send the wrong messages to one side and another," Horta told The Jakarta Post from his Dili office on Friday.
When asked about Gusmao's response to his advice, Horta said, "My president decided that he wishes to meet Wiranto. He probably will go ahead on the weekend and I respect (his decision)." Wiranto, nominated by the Golkar Party, was Indonesian Military (TNI) commander and defense minister during the 1999 East Timorese independence referendum, which was followed by massacres in the tiny territory.
An East Timorese court issued on May 10 a warrant for Wiranto's arrest for alleged crimes against humanity during the post-referendum violence.
Gusmao, however, has repeatedly pointed out that it would be more beneficial for both countries if they moved forward to promote bilateral relations rather than focusing on past bitterness.
While stressing that "I do not wish to make any judgment on Wiranto", Horta said, "East Timorese people and the families of victims would forgive Wiranto if he acknowledged his responsibility in the Dili incident".
"... It will also help East Timor leaders to resolve issues of justice with the United Nations," said the 1996 Nobel Peace co-laureate.
He said a public apology would help to improve Wiranto's image and boost his credibility in the international community.
The head of Wiranto's media team, Despen Ompusunggu, was quoted by the Agence France-Presse as saying on Friday that the meeting's agenda included discussing the charges against Wiranto.
The meeting comes just two weeks after President Megawati Soekarnoputri held bilateral talks with Gusmao in Bali.
The two presidents discussed issues including human rights and the case against Wiranto. Following the meeting, Gusmao said his government could not annul the arrest warrant for Wiranto. However, he added, it would also do nothing to realize it.
When asked why he did not oppose Gusmao's meeting with Megawati, Horta replied that the East Timor president met with Megawati in her capacity "as the President of the Republic of Indonesia".
He added, "if the Indonesian people elect Wiranto as the president of the Republic of Indonesia, the government of Timor Leste [East Timor] will respect their choice".