---------------------------------------------------------- Visit Indonesia Daily News Online HomePage: http://www.indo-news.com/ Please Visit Our Sponsor http://www.indo-news.com/cgi-bin/ads1 ---------------------------------------------------------- ANTARA, October 12, 1999 E. Timor: AUSTRALIAN INTERFET TROOPS' INTRUSION INTO INDONESIA ARBITRARY ACT-SAYS MILY CHIEF Atambua, E. Nusa Tenggara, Oct 12 (ANTARA)- Defence Minister Gen. Wiranto described as an "arbitrary act" the Australian International Force for East Timor (Interfet) troops' intrusion into the Indonesian territory on Oct 10. This was an arbitrary act because they encroached into the Indonesian territory by ignoring the existing procedures, Wiranto said when inspecting East Timorese refugees and a border security post in Mota Ain hamlet, East Nusa Tenggara, late on Tuesday. The Australian Interfet troops also reportedly attacked a security guard in Mota Ain. "There is no rule justifying the multinational troops' intrusion into the territory of another country without prior consent or coordination, including in launching a hot pursuit which is justified only in waters," he said. Wiranto, who is also chief of the National Defence Force (TNI) said the Indonesian government was planning to file strong protests to the United Nations and Australia against the Interfet troops' action and demanding the case be settled according to international norms. Based on the result of a field study, the Australian troops encroached into the Indonesian territory as far as 150 meters from the borderline. Eyewitnesses said the multinational troops retreated from the Indonesian territory when a number of Indonesian journalists arrived at the area to take their picture. "Shortly after they (Australia troops-ed) saw Indonesian journalists coming to the area to take pictures, they hastily retreated from the Indonesian territory," said a correspondent working for a Jakarta-based daily. Earlier at Kupang's El Tari airport, Wiranto saw off a battalion from Ujung Pandang to be assigned with a special task in the East Timor-East Nusa Tenggara border area. Wiranto asked the members of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) to comply with the law, procedures, and other regulations. "We are well-trained and professional military who respect laws and regulations. Don't be tempted by the behaviour of arrogant militarymen who disregard regulations and know nothing about self- esteem," he said. TNI has formed a special task force, whose members are mostly from Kostrad to protect the refugees and safeguard the border area. (T.PTU01/18:50 PM/NN01/22:53/INT-NG/2336) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Didistribusikan tgl. 18 Oct 1999 jam 05:25:38 GMT+1 oleh: Indonesia Daily News Online <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.Indo-News.com/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
