Brussels / Beijing, 30/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - The ministerial troika headed by Union Council President Anna Lindh, together with her Belgian counterpart Louis Michel, Commissioner Chris Patten and the Deputy Director General for the Council, Anastassio Vika (High Representative for CFSP Javier Solana was unable to attend), held a brief but constructive meeting last Thursday in Beijing with Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Alwi-Shibab. "The meeting, which was limited to one hour (due to the lack of time), enabled us to enter the heart of the subject", namely the current evolution of the political situation in this country that is prey to the torments of transition to democracy. It made it possible, "to orient our policy, which is a very committed and active policy", towards Indonesia, summarised one European diplomat taking part at the meeting.
The Troika essentially "listened" to the Indonesian foreign minister who confirmed Jakarta's fundamental and full commitment to pursue the democratisation process, and who called on his discussion partners to show "understanding" given the "very great difficulties involved in making up for thirty years of a totalitarian regime". The infrastructure, and the political and legal staff are not ready, said Mr Alwi-Shibab in substance. The minister showed scepticism about the possibility of successfully carrying out dismissal procedure against President Abdurrahman Wahid. Mr Wahid, already formally censured on two occasions by the parliamentarians that accuse him of incompetence and corruption, said he is prepared to declare a state of civil emergency to prevent what he calls anti-democratic forces from ousting him from office. According to Mr Alwi-Shibab, the parliament goes well beyond the powers attributed to it in this affair and its approach is in contradiction with the constitution that does not authorise the dismissal of a president except for breach of the provisions, he said. He went on to add: "If Wahid leaves, Indonesia could be thrown off balance". He insisted that the Union should continue to put pressure on the separatist movements in order to maintain the country's territorial integrity. He went on to give credit to the Head of State for an economy that remains sound and growth that has increased from 0 to 5% in two years.
While paying attention to this analysis, the Troika has nonetheless requested and gained assurance concerning the registration of East Timor refugees, while denouncing the "very light" sentence (6-20 months in prison) that is supposed to sanction the murder of ICRC representatives.