05 August 1999
Text: U.S. State Department Statement on Violence in Aceh Province
(Urges inquiry into alleged killings by Indonesian military) (580) U.S. State Department spokesman James Rubin released a statement August 5 expressing the United States' deep concern about "the rising tide of violence" in the Indonesian province of Aceh which he said has claimed more than a hundred lives and has caused tens of thousands of Acehnese to flee their homes in recent months. Rubin said the Indonesian military's campaign to suppress separatist activity and maintain security in Aceh has lead to "serious and credible" charges of human rights abuses, including an increasing number of extrajudicial killings of civilians. He cited the deaths of at least 45 civilians on May 3 as well as the deaths of another 40-70 Acehnese on July 24 as examples. Rubin said the United States urges the Indonesian government to intensify its efforts at opening a dialogue with Acehnese civic leaders, to conduct a credible investigation of alleged military abuses, and to facilitate access to displaced Acehnese by relief agencies. The United States, Rubin said, also calls on the Indonesian military to work with its government in investigating possible human rights abuses, and to use the utmost restraint in maintaining security in Aceh. He also urged armed opposition in the province to cease attacking soldiers and civilians. Following is the text: (begin text) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release August 5, 1999 STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN INDONESIA - CONCERN ABOUT VIOLENCE IN ACEH The United States is deeply concerned by the rising tide of violence which has claimed over a hundred lives in recent months and dramatically increased tensions in the Indonesian province of Aceh. The Indonesian military's campaign to suppress separatist activity and maintain security in the province has raised serious and credible charges of human rights abuses. We are particularly concerned about the killings of at least 45 civilians on May 3 as well as the deaths of another 40-70 Acehnese on July 24. While the circumstances of the latter are still being debated, the indisputable point is that tragic, extrajudicial killings are on the rise. In addition to the distressing loss of life, tens of thousands of Acehnese are internally displaced within the province, having fled alleged Indonesian military activity in their villages over the past few months. We call upon the Indonesian government to redouble its efforts to open a dialogue with Acehnese civic leaders in order to stem escalating tensions. We also urge the Indonesian government and military to conduct a thorough, immediate and independent investigation of alleged military abuses, including the May 3 and July 24 incidents. It is imperative that these investigations be seen as credible by the Acehnese people and that those found responsible be brought to justice. In order to prevent further abuses, the United States urges Indonesian security forces to use the utmost restraint and to avoid further loss of life as it seeks to maintain security. At the same time, the United States calls on the armed opposition to halt all further attacks on soldiers and civilians. Both sides have a responsibility to take steps to break the cycle of violence. In order to alleviate the humanitarian pressures caused by the flow of internally displaced persons, we encourage the Indonesian government to facilitate access by relief agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. (end text)
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