Playing down the need for an international war crimes tribunal, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Australian Prime Minister John Howard said today Indonesia's judicial system should be given a chance to try those responsible for last year's East Timor violence.

"I met the Indonesian attorney general and human rights commissioner in Jakarta and I think they are taking it very, very seriously," Annan said. "If they do mount a transparent and credible trial, I do not think the (Security) Council will see any need to set up an independent tribunal." Howard agreed with Annan's assessment. "I believe the Indonesian government has displayed a great deal of strength on the issue," Howard said. "It's not easy. Australia joins the UN in encouraging the Indonesians to firmly, fairly and effectively deal with that issue."

Amnesty International, however, said that although Indonesia is developing a willingness to address last year's "appalling events" by running its own investigations, "the reality cannot be avoided that without major reforms Indonesia's judicial system would be unable to cope with cases of the complexity of war crimes and crimes against humanity."

Some diplomats say privately that an international trial will never occur because China and Russia would likely veto its approval (Martin Parry, Agence France-Presse, 21 Feb).

Annan Wants East Timorese Ready before UN Leaves

The United Nations wants the East Timorese ready to govern their new state before it withdraws, Annan said. "I'm not in a position to give you a specific date but we are working hand in glove with the East Timorese leadership and will continue to do that," he said. The UN, he added, should be guided by specific achievements, not an arbitrary timetable. "I trust that the East Timorese leadership will work with us in this direction," he said (Xinhua News Service, 22 Feb).

Australia, however, said the UN could leave East Timor by August of next year. After meeting with Annan, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the UN could not make an indefinite commitment to East Timor. "There's no point in withdrawing and leaving East Timor in a state of instability," Downer said. "But there is a good point in trying to ensure that the East Timorese understand that independence is absolutely coming; the United Nations won't be there forever" (Radio Australia/BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 Feb).

No Comment On Mandatory Sentencing Laws

Annan did not comment on the controversy over Australian mandatory sentencing laws. Human rights groups had hoped he would join their protest of the laws, which caused unrest after the apparent suicide of a 15-year-old aborigine jailed for stealing pencils. Another young aborigine is also in jail for a year for stealing a box of biscuits (BBC Online, 21 Feb).

Before Annan's arrival last week, Howard warned he would not be lectured by outsiders. Annan did not comment on the issue, saying, "There are reasons why [Howard] is the prime minister and I am the secretary-general," Annan said. According to AFP, officials said Annan was "embarrassed" this issue had overshadowed the primary purpose of the trip - to thank Australia for its role in the East Timor conflict (AFP, 21 Feb).

Annan also called Australia a "model member state," despite its alleged breaches of children's rights. "In my job, the term 'model member state' is one that must be used with caution," Annan said. "But I have no hesitation about using it in the case of Australia" (Rod McGuirk, Australian Associated Press, 22 Feb).

World Bank President James Wolfensohn, however, was more eager to join the debate over the laws. "I, as president of the World Bank, don't think I can have an official view about it," he told an Australian newspaper. "But to put a 15-year-old kid into jail for stealing a pencil is not something that I think sounds to be a very appropriate use of justice" (AFP).

Annan is scheduled today to meet Ronald Wilson, a former Australian High Court judge and critic of mandatory sentencing laws. Additionally, Australian opposition leader Kim Beazley and foreign affairs spokesperson Laurie Brereton said Annan had promised advice on whether the laws violate international conventions. Annan has also said he will ask UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson to provide Australia with advice regarding the laws (AAP, 22 Feb).

Security Council an Obstacle to UN Reform

In his Australia visit, Annan also commented on UN reform, saying Security Council restructuring remains an impediment to reform efforts. "We have made a bit of progress on the organization and structure," he said, although he added that "we have had some difficulties. "We haven't made much progress in Security Council reform where only the members can decide" (Parry, AFP, 22 Feb).