REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – US Ambassador for Indonesia, Scot Marciel, reemphasized the US stance to respect Indonesian territorial integrity. Papua, he said on Tueday, was a part of Indonesia.
Marciel said that US support the dialog between Indonesian Government and Papuans and also support guarding for Papua's safety.
Referring to allegation of human rights violation in Papua, Marciel said that further investigation was needed. But, he admitted that Papua separatism was Indonesian internal issue and the US had no intention to be deeply involved on the case.
In other hands, US will keep supporting Papua's development. The country will promote development of economy, health, and education in Papua. Marciel also rejected the speculation that shifting US troops deployment from Okinawa to Guam was intended to get closer to Papua.
The recent issue of Papua does not change the US position to continue military cooperation with Indonesia, including military joint exercises, expert exchange, and exchange visit. He said that US would keep supporting Indonesian Armed Forces to become stronger, capable, and professional.
Earlier US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also stated during her visit to this country that the US respected Indonesian territorial integrity. She believed that dialog was the best way to resolve the problem between Indonesian government and Papua people.
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