Indonesia hints at Timor probe fallout

JAKARTA, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says the ongoing inquiry by Australian police into five East Timor deaths could have political fallout.

Yudhoyono said the new police investigation into five journalists' deaths during Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor could ultimately hurt relations between Indonesia and Australia, the BBC reported Thursday.

The police probe comes after an Australian coroner ruled in 2007 the foreign journalists, including two Australian nationals, had been executed by Indonesian special forces.

Prior to the 2007 finding, the Australian government had accepted Indonesia's stance the five reporters were accidentally killed by cross-fire during the 1975 invasion.

The BBC said in addition to his diplomacy warning, Yudhoyono also implied Australia has its own history of questionable activities.

"Frankly if we were to focus on the past, then we can look at the era of slavery, crimes against humanity, colonialism. All gross human rights violations," the Indonesian leader said.

"But a smart and wise nation looks forward. I am urging Australia's foreign minister to manage this problem wisely so that it won't disrupt our good relations with Australia."