Search

ETimor president backs off allegations against journalist

AFP - Tuesday, April 29

JAKARTA (AFP) - - East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta distanced himself Monday from claims that an Indonesian journalist helped smuggle a rebel leader out of the country.

Indonesian station Metro TV had threatened to sue Ramos-Horta if the Nobel Laureate did not clarify a statement alleging Jakarta-based presenter Desi Anwar had helped Alfredo Reinado illegally cross into Indonesia for an interview in 2007.

"His illegal exit from East Timor and illegal entry in Indonesia in order to travel to Jakarta for an interview with Metro TV, must be investigated," a statement from the president's office said.

"President Jose Ramos-Horta acknowledges that reference to Ms Desi Anwar was wrong."

The president said he had been misquoted as saying Anwar had played a role in coordinated attacks on the country's leadership by rebels in February that left Reinado dead and Ramos-Horta severely injured.

Ramos-Horta, who returned to East Timor earlier this month after two months of treatment in Australia, was earlier quoted as saying that elements in Indonesia were involved in the attacks.

The president has since clarified his remarks, saying he did not believe any institutions in Indonesia were involved.

Recommend this article

Average (0 votes)
0 stars
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »

Related Articles: Indonesia

Related Articles: Asia Pacific