Timor shadow over talks

Press, 13 October 1982, Page 8

Timor shadow over talks

NZPA Washington The Indonesian President. General Suharto, and President Ronald Reagan, hold talks today which American officials hope will strengthen ties with a country they see playing an increasingly important role in. South-East Asia and the world. Officials from both countries say that General Suharto’s visit will be primarily a good-will mission — although he is likely to get about $5O million in military aid for next year. Despite the rosy outlook

for General Suharto's talks, it is clear that there could be at least one touchy subject for the two leaders. This is a new plea from Congress asking Mr Reagan to urge General Suharto to allow international inspection of East Timor, where the population is reported to be suffering from famine. American and Indonesian officials deny the reports, and Indonesia says that international relief organisations. diplomats and reporters have already assessed the situation there.