VOA comments on Papua issues in Clinton Indo visit
From Voice of America – official US State Department news agency.
(Only Papua related content included below – for full article see http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/pan/US-Indonesia-Urge-Further-Action-on-South-China-Sea–126079108.html )
……………The talks here also covered Burma, border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, and human rights.
Asked about alleged repression of indigenous tribes in Indonesia’s Papua and West Papua provinces by security forces, Natalegawa said human rights concerns are being addressed by the Jakarta government and it “doesn’t take an external party” to point out the country’s problems.
Clinton in turn said the United States supports “open dialogue” between the Indonesian government and Papuan representatives to address regional grievances.
Secretary Clinton said, “This is a matter for the Indonesian government and they are addressing it and we hope to see full implementation of the special autonomy law for Papua, which is a commitment on the part of the Indonesian government to address many of the concerns that have been expressed.” Clinton the said the United States supports the territorial integrity of Indonesia, an apparent reference to calls by some ethnic Papuans for secession and unity with neighboring Papua-New Guinea.
Full transcript of conference below
Secretary Clinton: July 2011 » Remarks With Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa After Their Meeting
Remarks With Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa After Their Meeting
Remarks Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Ayodhya Hotel
Bali, Indonesia
July 24, 2011
