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TEXT: STATE DEPT. 11/5 ON INDONESIA RIOTS FACT-FINDING TEAM
(Indonesia must implement team's recommendations)

Washington -- If the Indonesian Government seeks to regain credibility and confidence from the international community, it must implement the recommendations of its fact-finding team on the riots and rapes of ethnic Chinese women in that country last May, the U.S. Department of State said in a November 4 press release.

According to the release, the fact-finding team's report calls for further investigations of the incidents and recommends that Lt. Gen. Prabowo and all others involved in cases of kidnappings of political activists be brought before a military court.

The United States also strongly urges that the Indonesian Government take steps to prevent intimidation and threats of violence against investigators, witnesses, and their families.

"Those responsible for all these acts should be held accountable," the State Department said.

Following is the text of the statement:

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U.S. DEPARTMENT Of STATE
Office of the Spokesman

November 4, 1998

STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN
INDONESIA - REPORT BY FACT-FINDING TEAM

The U.S. welcomed the Indonesian Government's establishment of a broad-based fact finding team last August to investigate the causes of the May riots and the rapes of ethnic Chinese women.

On November 3, the team, which included representatives from the government, the Indonesian military (ABRI), the police, and non-governmental organizations, released their report. Despite reservations registered by some members, and the fact that investigators, victims, witnesses, and family members faced anonymous death threats and other forms of intimidation, the fact-finding team issued a credible, balanced report under difficult circumstances.

The report found three patterns to the riots, ranging from local and spontaneous, to riots aggravated by provocateurs, and others more obviously deliberately stimulated. This included involvement by elements of the military. The report called for further investigations and recommended that Lt. Gen. Prabowo and all others involved in cases of kidnappings of political activists be brought before a military court.

The report also verified that 85 acts of violence targeted against women occurred, including rapes, torture, sexual assaults, and sexual harassment during the riots, most against ethnic Chinese. We find such acts reprehensible and unacceptable.

It is crucial in order to restore credibility and confidence that the Indonesian Government implement the team's recommendations, including further investigation of military leaders and others alleged to be involved in fomenting or participating in the violence. We also strongly urge that the Indonesian Government take steps to prevent intimidation and threats of violence against investigators, witnesses, and their families. Those responsible for all these acts should be held accountable.

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