DATE=8/27/1999
DATE=8/27/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=EAST TIMOR / VIOLENCE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253171
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=DILI
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations representative in East
Timor is blaming Indonesian authorities for failing to
control violence by armed militias who oppose possible
separation from Jakarta. Correspondent Nick Simeone
reports, the U-N special representative in the
disputed territory is repeating demands that Indonesia
step up security, following violence in the capital,
Dili that left at least five people dead.
TEXT: Indonesia is responsible for security for
Monday's referendum, but three days before the vote
Ian Martin, the senior U-N representative here is not
willing to say he is satisfied.
//MARTIN ACT//
It is crucial here, even at this late stage, concrete
and effective steps be taken by Indonesia to control
the militias.
//END ACT//
Still the plan remains to go ahead with Monday's vote,
despite repeated outbreaks of violence across East
Timor, including a clash Thursday between pro-
independence and pro-Jakarta supporters in the
capital, Dili.
Several journalists were also threatened at gunpoint.
The message to Indonesia by the United Nations
remains, security needs to be improved.
//MARTIN ACT//
I can only hope that Indonesia's very keen awareness
that the eyes of the world are on East Timor will
finally have that effect.
//END ACT//
Observers say if violence continues it is likely to
call into question the validity of Monday's vote. The
balloting is widely expected to result in a strong
show against autonomy and therefore an endorsement of
independence for East Timor, nearly a quarter century
after Indonesian troops invaded and annexed the
region.
More than four hundred thousand people in the disputed
territory are set to vote.
Western diplomats and human rights organizations
accuse the Indonesian military of tacitly backing pro-
Jakarta militias, believed responsible for killing and
intimidating voters. Weapons are supposed to be put
away, but militias still roam the territory fully
armed.
Indonesia has announced it will release independence
leader Xanana Gusmao from house arrest September 15th.
His release was part of the agreement between Jakarta
the United Nations and East Timor's former colonial
ruler, Portugal, that set out terms for Monday's
historic referendum. (signed)
NEB/NS/GC/FC
27-Aug-1999 02:11 AM LOC (27-Aug-1999 0611 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
