DATE=8/26/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N - E. TIMOR VIOLENCE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253157
BYLINE=BARBARA SCHOETZAU
DATELINE=NEW YORK
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan
has condemned the wave of violence that rocked East
Timor Thursday and called on Indonesia to take
stronger steps to curb the turmoil. Correspondent
Barbara Schoetzau reports from New York.
TEXT: Mr. Annan says he is "appalled by the
widespread violence" in East Timor, including the loss
of life. At least three people died Thursday in
clashes between pro-independence groups and opponents
following a large anti-independence rally.
The United Nations is supervising the August 30th
referendum - or popular consultation -in which the
people of East Timor will decide whether or not to
accept a-ranging autonomy plan with Indonesia, which
annexed the former Portuguese colony in 1976.
In a statement released through U-N spokesperson
Manoel Almeida e Silva, the Secretary-General demands
that Indonesia live up to the obligations of its May
5th agreement with the United Nations and take
immediate steps to restore and maintain law and order.
//// Almeida e Silva Act ////
It is crucial that even at this late stage,
concrete and effective steps be taken by the
Indonesians to control the militias who, it is
increasingly clear, are intent on disrupting the
popular consultation. Those who are responsible
for planning and carrying out these acts of
violence and lawlessness must be arrested.
The Secretary General is determined that the
United Nations should fulfil its
responsibilities to the people of East Timor and
should not be deterred by threats and
intimidation from lawless elements.
//// End Act ////
Mr. Almeida e Silva says the balloting will go ahead
as scheduled on Monday. The Security Council also
issued a statement deploring the latest round of
violence and supporting Mr. Annan's intention to go
forth with the referendum. (Signed)
NEB/BJS/LSF/TVM/PT
26-Aug-1999 15:06 PM LOC (26-Aug-1999 1906 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
