Dutch court denies separatist group's request to arrest Indonesian President Yudhoyono

[News_Editor]

Dutch court denies separatist group's request to arrest Indonesian President Yudhoyono

2010-10-07 20:13:18 GMT+7 (ICT)

AMSTERDAM (BNO NEWS) -- A Dutch court has rejected an Indonesian separatist group's request to arrest President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the country's prosecutor's office said.

The Republic of South Moluccas (RSM) separatist group had accused President Yudhoyono of human rights violations against their group activists while they were in custody and demanded his immediate arrest if he'd visit the Netherlands. The accusations prompted Yudhoyono on Tuesday to cancel his state visit to the Netherlands over fears that he might be arrested there.

However, a Hague District Court spokesman said it had denied RSM's request to arrest Yudhoyono. The Netherlands expressed its regret that the Indonesian president canceled his trip at the last minute, reassuring his diplomatic immunity.

"The Dutch government has confirmed the immunity of the head of state and clarified the legal proceedings in the Netherlands," a government statement said. In response, Yudhoyono informed the Dutch government that he wants to schedule a new date for a state visit. "The government trusts on the continuation of the excellent and friendly mutual relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia," the statement added.

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla had earlier suggested that President Yudhoyono should soon go on with his scheduled state visit to the Netherlands to avoid any controversy involving RSM.

"The President must soon leave for the Netherlands to erase the RMS controversy. Do not give the RMS the opportunity because it may trigger the separatism issue,†Jusuf told Tempo. "We should not be afraid," he added.

Yudhoyono, along with his wife Ani Bamban Yudhoyono, was scheduled to arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on early Wednesday morning on a three-day state visit. The couple was later scheduled to meet Queen Beatrix, Princess Maxima, Prime Minister Jan Peter-Balkenende, and others.

"The last few days there has been a development in The Hague in which there is a lawsuit in court to question human rights problems in Indonesia and even asks the court to arrest the President of the Republic of Indonesia during a visit to the Netherlands," Yudhoyono had previously stated to announce the cancellation.

The office of Yudhoyono said the President feared that the good relations with the Netherlands could suffer a setback if he went ahead with the state visit, possibly causing a misunderstanding.

"It concerns our pride and honor as a nation," Yudhoyono added. "Therefore, I decided to postpone this visit."

The Presidential office said Yudhoyono will send a letter to outgoing Prime Minister Balkenende to explain his decision to postpone the visit.

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