PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Government has ?not come to any conclusions? on Timika Case

Following is a press release from U.S. Embassy Jakarta:

The New York Times story alleging that U.S. Government officials have determined that Indonesian soldiers are responsible for the killing of two Americans at Timika last August is not true.

The Indonesian Government has been responsive to our interest in the Timika case. They have asked us to join in their investigation of the murders and the FBI has a team on the ground in Indonesia right now. The investigation is ongoing and we have not come to any conclusions about who is responsible.

We are receiving excellent cooperation from President Megawati, the Indonesian police, and Indonesian military, and want to hear the results of the investigation.

We have urged the Indonesian government -- at the highest levels -- to mount a serious investigation into the Papua killings. Two American citizens were killed and satisfactory resolution of this case -- and justice for those responsible -- is a priority for the Bush Administration. (*)

-End of release-