Wiretapping is not acceptable if international relationships are based upon trust, Yudhoyono said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated that wiretapping incidents should not happen again, as they might harm international relations.
"He asked that such incidents should not reoccur, no more wiretapping in the future," presidential spokesman Julian A Pasha said here on Wednesday.
Wiretapping is not acceptable if international relationships are based upon trust, Pasha said, quoting Yudhoyono.
The Indonesian government, through the foreign affairs ministry, has sent protest notes to those countries regarding the wiretapping incidents.
"Ambassadors of the concerned countries have also been called," Pasha said, adding that Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa has reported to the president about the countries clarification.
The accused countries have offered explanations, while not specifically denying or acknowledging the wiretapping.
Meanwhile, an Indonesian international relations analyst, Hikmahanto Juwana, said earlier this week that the Indonesian government must take firm action in dealing with the recently reported wiretapping activities conducted by several countries, since these are serious ethical violations and a breach of international legal norms.
"If the government does not take firm action, there will be a public outcry that will affect the U.S. and Australian governments, as well as President Yudhoyono and the Indonesian government," Juwana said.
In addressing the wiretapping case, the government should not avoid seeking justice by saying there is no evidence or that it needs time before it can adopt a more assertive approach.
The Indonesian government can expel American and Australian diplomats. The government can also recall the Indonesian Ambassador to the United States and Australia and delay sending ambassadors to those countries, if necessary.
"Also, if needed, the Indonesian government can partner with the German and Brazilian governments to fight for a UN resolution to prevent wiretapping activities in the future," he stated.
Countries such as France, Germany, and Brazil have already adopted a firm stance on the issue. Germany and Brazil have officially filed a draft resolution with the United Nations on the right to privacy. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
