DATE=9/6/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDONESIA - U-N (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253499
BYLINE=BRONWYN CURRAN
DATELINE=JAKARTA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations has rejected claims by
Indonesia that it has failed to investigate alleged
irregularities in last week's referendum that resulted
in a landslide vote for East Timor independence.
Bronwyn Curran reports from Jakarta.
TEXT: United Nations Special Envoy Jamsheed Marker and
the three independent electoral commissioners who
oversaw the East Timor ballot angrily responded to
accusations leveled by Indonesia's Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said Sunday the violence
that has wracked East Timor was a reaction from pro-
Indonesia groups to the U-N's failure to respond to
claims of ballot irregularities.
Mr. Marker noted Mr. Alatas had earlier said that he
was completely satisfied with the outcome of the
ballot.
///OPT ACT MARKER ///
This was a fairly conducted review and this is why
we're here to clear up any misunderstandings and give
anyone an opportunity as has been done
before. They called, the commission called for any
objections. Those were not received. Those that were
received, were disposed of in the manner prescribed
under the code of conduct.
/// END OPT ACT ///
The U-N's Special Envoy for East Timor called the
electoral commissioners who oversaw the balloting and
approved the results, "three of the
world's most eminent jurists."
Commissioner Johanne Kriegler told reporters Monday
every stage of the ballot from voter registration to
the counting of votes, was carried out according to
the wishes of Indonesia, Portugal and the U-N
Secretary-General.
/// ACT KRIEGLER ///
The commission was able to declare that the popular
consultation had been procedurally fair and in
accordance with the New York agreement, and
consequently provided an accurate reflection of the
will of the people of East Timor. There can be no
doubt the overwhelming majority of this troubled land
wish to separate from the Republic of Indonesia.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
Commissioner Kriegler says during the counting
commissioners heard complaints, including those of the
pro-autonomy group F-P-D-K, the Forum for Unity,
Democracy and Justice. But he adds, they were not
supported with facts.
///KRIEGLER ACT ///
We have invited them to come and expand upon, explain
and produce evidence in support of those complaints.
That did not happen.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
/// OPT /// Commissioner Kriegler says that while some
irregularities were noted -- namely that the campaign
was flawed by the poor security situation, and seals
on five ballot boxes had been broken - the problems
were not serious enough to affect the final result.
/// KRIEGLER ACT ///
Each and every complaint was investigated, whether it
came from the government, the pro-autonomy, from the
pro-independence groups. Not one single irregularity
was considered to bear one iota on the evaluation it
had to make. Simply, jointly, put them all together,
none of the irregularities could possibly have
affected the accuracy of the outcome. The people of
East Timor have responded with a clear and
unmistakable 'no' to the pro-autonomy group. /// END
OPT ///
///END ACT ///
As the brutal siege of Dili by pro-Indonesia gangs
continues, a U-N Security Council mission is heading
to Jakarta to push for stronger moves by Indonesia to
end the violence.
Mr. Marker said Monday, Indonesia had failed in its
responsibility to maintain adequate security.
He scheduled a meeting with President B-J Habibie and
Foreign Minister Aalatas to appeal for effective
action to end the violence.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway in Jakarta on the
future of East Timor's independence leader, Xanana
Gusmao, once he is released.
He is due to be freed from house arrest Wednesday, but
there are grave fears
for his security, especially if he returns to Dili,
where his safety will be entrusted to a UN mission
unable to protect its own staff. (SIGNED)
NEB/BC/FWC/PLM
06-Sep-1999 06:08 AM EDT (06-Sep-1999 1008 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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