RI, Timor Leste fail to settle border problem

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and Timor Leste during a meeting in Jakarta from August 27 to 29 have failed to settle their border problem, Kupang Military Commander I Dewa Ketut Siangan said here on Sunday.

The two countries had three unresolved segments, namely between Delomil (Belu district/Indonesia) and Memo (Timor Leste), Bijael Sunan (Timor Tengah Utara district) and Oben Manunasasi (Timor Leste) as well as Noelbesi (Kupang district) and Citrana (Oecusse ditrict/Timor Leste).

Siangan said Indonesia and Timor Leste had yet to reach agreement, specifically in the Naktuka area (Kupang district/Indonesia) and Ambeno (Oecusse district/Timor Leste).

He added the area was considered neutral and therefore people from both countries should not build anything there. Unfortunately, some 40 families from Timor Leste had built houses on 1,096 hectares of land there since 2006.

"The building by people from Oecusse district has violated international law," he said, adding that the Indonesian Army had recently demolished several buildings in Naktuka belonging to Timor Leste government.

"Both countries must respect international law and allow the disputed area to remain empty until a final settlement has been reached," he added.

The meeting between representatives from Indonesia and Timor Leste will be held again in December 2010.

Previously, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Indonesia objected to the Timor Leste government`s guide on boundaries at three RI-Timor Leste border points.

"We don`t agree, and are still having negotiations," he said.

Indonesia and Timor Leste were planning to settle their border problem at 5,000 points, 907 of which had been approved, but only 103 realized.

Of this number, Indonesia and Timor Leste still have their differences on the foundation to set the boundaries in three points namely between Delomil (Belu district/Indonesia) and Memo (Timor Leste), Bijael Sunan (Timor Tengah Utara district) and Oben Manunasasi (Timor Leste) as well as Noelbesi (Kupang district) and Citrana (Timor Leste).

"So, we have to make further and more comprehensive discussions," Purnomo said. (*)
source: ANTARA NEWS

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