Subject: RT: Indonesia sees new diplomatic ties with
Portugal
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 17:59:32 -0500
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org> [Obviously written prior to
the suspension of the UN Talks. John]
Indonesia sees new diplomatic ties with Portugal 08:10 a.m. Nov 20, 1998 Eastern
JAKARTA, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Indonesian President B.J. Habibie said on Friday he
expected Portugal and Indonesia to eventually resume diplomatic relations after a
``friendship'' visit by Lisbon mayor Joao Soares.
``Relations between Lisbon and Jakarta are expected to become the starting point for
resuming diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Portugal,'' Jakarta governor Sutiyoso
quoted Habibie as telling Soares.
Sutiyoso told reporters Indonesia admitted the sticking point in closer ties was the
disputed province of East Timor, a former Portuguese territory invaded by Indonesia in
1975 and annexed a year later.
Sutiyoso gave no details about when Habibie expected a resumption in diplomatic
relations, suspended because of Indonesia's takeover of East Timor.
Earlier on Friday, Soares urged the immediate release from jail of Timorese rebel
leader Xanana Gusmao.
``I demand immediate and unconditional release of Xanana Gusmao,'' Soares told
reporters after separate talks with Sutiyoso
Soares is on an informal visit to establish ``friendship links'' between Lisbon and
Jakarta.
Indonesia and Portugal, which have often clashed over East Timor, do not have formal
diplomatic relations.
Indonesia's rule of East Timor is not recognised by the United Nations, which still
regards Portugal as the administering power.
Jakarta maintains a heavy military presence in the territory to combat a low-level
rebellion. The armed forces have been widely accused of human rights abuses in East Timor
since the invasion.
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