RI reporter accused by Ramos Horta to report to press council

"Ramos Horta`s accusation against me is unfounded and irresponsible . It has also created a bad perception harmful to me as a journalist and an individual. I will take the matter to the Press Council and professional organizations," she said here Thursday.

Desi was also expected to tell the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) about the Timor Leste President`s false accusation and ask for IFJ protection.

"The accusation is damaging my reputation at home and abroad. I could be banned from entering a country due to the accusation. As a journalist, I often cover events abroad," she said.

A member of the Press Council, Wina Armada, said he was ready to receive information from Desi about her problem and give moral support to her.

"The Press Council is obliged to help and protect every member of the press community. We will receive Desi Anwar and our friends from Metro TV (an Indonesian private TV satiation) tomorrow (Friday/ April 25)," he said.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Indonesian Journalist Association (PWI)`s foreign affairs section, Saiful Hadi, told newsmen that PWI would help defend Desi Anwar as according to information he had received, the Metro TV journalist was not wrong.

"We will hear about Ramos Horta`s accusation directly from Desi. If the accusation is unfounded and not supported by evidence, PWI will urge Ramos Horta to withdraw his accusation. Horta must also apologize to Desi, Metro TV and the Indonesian people," said Saiful Hadi who is also Chief Editor of ANTARA news agency.

According to Saiful, nobody, not even a president ...