Abal speaks on Indonesian military incursions
Fri Aug 01, 2008 12:00pm
Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Abal has said that he was severely
handicapped in his recent meeting with his Indonesian counterpart
Hassan Wirajuda over various reported instances of border incursions
by Indonesian military.
Mr Abal said he couldn't make a stronger stand during his discussions
because of a lack of facts surrounding the incidents.
While Mr Abal threatened to take the matter up with regional and
international forums if these incidents continued, he said he also had
no choice but to accept the apologies made by the Indonesians.
"But I want to also clarify that I went to that meeting without the
facts of knowing exactly what has happened on the ground," Mr Abal
said.
"The department knew about the one that happened up on the north, but
the one on the south, they didn't know," he said.
"There's a bit of a confusion and the department is trying to
investigate it to ascertain exactly what has happened, even up to now.
"So there are some facts that are not altogether there," Mr Abal said. This lack of information amongst others has prompted a Cabinet
submission to establish a Border Development Authority.
Mr Abal said the submission will be ready as early as next week. |
