The State Department cited the "national security interests" of the United States as the reason for waiver, noting that Indonesia plays a strategic role in Southeast Asia and is a "voice of moderation in the Islamic world." "This is an abuse of discretion and an affront to the Congress," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), the author of legislation tying military aid to human rights conditions. "To waive on national security grounds a law that seeks justice for crimes against humanity -- without even obtaining the Indonesian government's assurance that it will address these concerns -- makes a mockery of the process and sends a terrible message. The Indonesians will see it as a clean bill of health."
The restrictions, which affect foreign military financing and sales of
lethal items, are largely symbolic; Indonesia currently receives $1 million in
military financing for its navy and appears to have no plans to obtain lethal
items. State Department officials stressed that the decision does not trigger
new assistance and the quality and quantity of any sales will be guided by
Indonesia's willingness to address rights concerns.
Human rights experts and congressional aides said the Indian Ocean tsunami,
which devastated Indonesia's Aceh region, had helped lessen objections to
restoring military ties. Other factors included the government's peace pact with
Aceh rebels, counterterrorism cooperation and the fact that the FBI has
received renewed cooperation in investigating an ambush in Timika, in Papua,
where two Americans were killed.
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