http://english.pravda.ru/world/20/91/366/16532_Indonesia.html
Indonesia freed of arms sales embargo owing to US-run hypocritical
policies
11/26/2005 15:45
The USA was rather concerned about the observation of human rights
in Indonesia, although it now apparently seems OK for Washington
Despite the resistance of the Senate, the US Congress supported by
a majority lifting the embargo on arms supplies to Indonesia. Doing this
Washington seeks restoring friendly relations between both countries and
encourages Jakarta.
Spokesman for the US Department of State Sean McCormack commented
upon the disputable decision and said that Indonesia is a moderate Islamic
country and the White House thinks it is important to keep up friendly
relations with "the world's third populous democratic country."
It needs to be mentioned that in the beginning of the year the US
intended to maintain restrictions on USA's financial aid and arms sales to
Indonesia. American officials stated that the Indonesian government did not
observe human rights and had poor civilian control of the Indonesian military.
Washington was indignant at human rights violations by Indonesian military
during an operation against separatists in East Timor in 1999 and disliked the
poor control over the military in the country.
However, the USA made some concessions to Indonesia in January 2005
and allowed sales of parts for C-130 Hercules military transport planes adopted
in Indonesia; the planes were used to eliminate the tsunami aftereffects in
Sumatra.
So, the visits of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to
Washington to discuss military and technical issues turned out to be rather
resulting. The Indonesian president says that recommencement of cooperation
with the USA will give a new spur to the two-way relations. The US
Administration remembers perfectly well that military cooperation between the
countries was really successful under Suharto, and hopes that Indonesia may
become a reliable ally in fighting international terrorism.
Besides, the US hopes to use its authority in Indonesia to
consolidate its positions in South-Eastern Asia, maintain the balance of forces
in the region and not let China take its position. China by the way also stands
a good chance to have the 1989 embargo lifted. In the beginning of the year,
the EU already informed the White House of the intention to lift the embargo.
Then Condoleezza Rice stated that in case the embargo on arms sales were lifted
China would make more arms purchases and thus provoke other countries to follow
the example.
The US plays the game of law and pursues its own ends thus winning
the sympathy of some countries and making others rather nervous. In the
beginning of the year Washington offered the Indian authorities to start joint
production of modernized F-16 fighter-bombers and then approved of selling
modernized Patriot-3 anti-missile systems to India. When Pakistan voiced its
anxiety in connection with the USA's intentions, the USA said that it was
seeking "strengthening and expanding" relations with both countries, Pakistan
and India.
But still critics doubt that all arms currently allowed for sales
to South-Eastern Asia may be used solely for war on terrorism. Besides, sales
of arms and military objects require more control which in its turn poses
another problem.
Vladimir Vysokov
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