TEMPO.CO, Nusa Dua - East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao condemned western countries powerful, especially the United States, who "shamelessly violate the civic rights ... of other countries" using electronic surveillance. Xanana said that the bugging by the US and Australian governments in developing countries such as Indonesia and East Timor as the descend of the value of democracy.
"I ask you all whether we can really say that we are living in a democracy if we are subject to pervasive surveillance" Xanana said in his speech at the opening of the sixth Bali Democracy Forum on Thursday, Nov. 7. He became the only country leader to mention the issue in the forum's first morning speeches.
In his speech Xanana also invited Asia-Pacific countries to support Indonesia in creating a well-mannered global political condition.
"We have to create a polite global politics. ASEAN should be able to create this. Individual states must protect minorities, to strengthen the economic and political stability in the ASEAN region," he added.
In his speech, Xanana also praised President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, touting him as pioneering the progress of democracy in region. The former freedom fighter who fought for East Timor's independence from Indonesia said his country had "no better friend than" SBY.
The Bali Democracy Forum was opened by President Yudhoyono yesterday morning. Eighty four countries sent their delegates to attend the forum, including Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Indonesia's Foerign Minister Natalegawa today.
PUTU HERY
