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<title>AXWORTHY APPLAUDS DECISION TO RELEASE JAILED INDONESIAN ACTIVISTS PAKPAHAN AND PAMUNGKAS</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">May 25, 1998 No. 131</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY APPLAUDS DECISION TO RELEASE JAILED
INDONESIAN ACTIVISTS PAKPAHAN AND PAMUNGKAS</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy welcomed today the new Indonesian
government's decision to free two political prisoners, independent union leader
Muchtar Pakpahan as well as former Member of the Indonesian House of
Representatives Sri Bintang Pamungkas.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Axworthy also called for the release of all other political prisoners,
including Xanana Gusmao, jailed East Timorese leader, and encouraged the new
Indonesian government to work for a peaceful political settlement in East Timor.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The announcement of Mr. Pakpahan's and Mr. Pamungkas's release was made by
Justice Minister Muladi earlier today at Cipinang prison in the presence of the
Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Gary J. Smith, and his Dutch counterpart. Mr.
Pakpahan, a labour leader on trial for subversion, and Mr. Pamungkas, leader of
the unrecognized United Democratic Party of Indonesia who was charged with
subversion, were allowed to speak to supporters from on top of the prison walls
after the announcement.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This action is a positive step for the new Indonesian government toward
tolerance of political opposition," said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada is committed to
assisting Indonesia in the development of democratic and economic reforms."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Axworthy asked for Mr. Pakpahan's release during meetings last July with
members of the previous Indonesian government of President Soeharto. Secretary of
State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan called for Mr. Pakpahan's freedom last month
during a meeting with Justice Minister Muladi while he was in Jakarta to discuss
Indonesia's humanitarian and economic needs. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We are pleased that President Habibie has agreed to give </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Pakpahan and Mr. Pamungkas their freedom, and I urge the Indonesian
government to release other political prisoners," said Mr. Chan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Pakpahan has been incarcerated since late 1996, but has been in hospital
since early 1997 due to a lung illness. He underwent medical tests in December
1997 after the Indonesian government agreed to accept Canadian medical assistance
in the form of a medical team and LIFE technology provided by Xillix Technologies
Corp. of Richmond, British Columbia.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">In May 1996, Mr. Pamungkas was sentenced to two years in jail on charges of
slandering President Soeharto. He was out of prison pending appeal of the court
decision when in early 1997, he was jailed and charged with subversion for
calling for a boycott of the May 1997 parliamentary elections.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Hilary Humphrey</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1852</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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