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DATE=8/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / EAST TIMOR (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252735
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  The United States has accused Indonesian 
officials and anti-independence militia leaders in 
East Timor of trying to intimidate voters ahead of the 
upcoming independence vote in the territory.  From the 
State Department, V-O-A's Kyle King reports.
TEXT:  U-S officials say they are deeply concerned by 
the violence and acts of intimidation that have marked 
the run-up to the August 30th vote on independence in 
East Timor.
Western diplomats have accused the Indonesian military 
of arming and directing anti-independence militias 
blamed for a wave of killings, assassinations and 
village burnings in the former Portuguese colony.
A statement issued by Secretary of State Madeleine 
Albright says it is up to the Indonesian government to 
provide security for the vote in East Timor.
Reading from the statement (Thursday), State 
Department spokesman James Rubin accused the 
government of trying to intimidate voters by warning 
that violence might erupt if pro-independence forces 
win the vote.
            /// RUBIN ACT ///
      Indonesian officials and anti-independence 
      militia leaders have suggested in recent days 
      that a vote for independence will result in 
      extensive violence or even civil war.  This is 
      intimidation, or worse.  It is unacceptable.  
      Secretary of State Albright takes this 
      opportunity to remind all concerned, in the 
      strongest possible terms, they are obligated to 
      respect the results of the referendum and 
      provide genuine security for all East Timorese.
            /// END ACT ///
Formal campaigning for the vote begins Saturday 
(8/14).  Despite the violence and highly charged 
atmosphere surrounding the referendum, more than 400-
thousand people have already registered to vote.
Despite the violence and organizational problems, U-N 
officials say they expect the referendum to be held on 
time.  U-S officials say an open and fair vote in East 
Timor would open the way for Indonesia to regain its 
respect in the international community and renew its 
partnership with the United States and other 
democratic nations.   (Signed)
NEB/KBK/WTW
12-Aug-1999 14:51 PM EDT (12-Aug-1999 1851 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.