DATE=9/7/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=EAST TIMOR -- MARTIAL LAW (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253547
BYLINE=BRONWYN CURRAN
DATELINE=JAKARTA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:. The Indonesian military has defended its imposition
of martial law in East Timor, saying it is needed to
restore order. The military is rejecting suggestions that
the decision is aimed at quashing independence supporters
in the territory. It is also ruling out any acceptance of
international peacekeepers until November, when East
Timor's vote for independence will be formally approved.
Bronwyn Curran reports from Jakarta.
TEXT: The military's chief spokesman says martial law has
been imposed because civilian powers were proving
ineffective in stemming the destruction and killing.
Rampages by anti-independence militias have escalated since
Saturday's announcement of the almost 80 per cent vote in
favor of independence.
Witnesses say they saw soldiers and police standing by as
the violence was occurring. They say some even
participated.
According to Brigadier General Sudrajat, martial law means
the eight battalions of soldiers in the province will take
over from the police.
Another three battalions are on standby.
The soldiers have been authorized to search for weapons,
arrest anyone suspected of creating disturbances, and shoot
on sight anyone who breaks the curfew that has been imposed
along with martial law.
The spokesman rejected suggestions that the move was a
cover for the military to target independence activists.
/// SUDRAJAT ACT ///
The Indonesians never, never use a cover to use the
martial law. This is the real situation and the
reality that this area is in the danger, then we have
to take strong measure to restore and save East
Timor.
/// END ACT ///
Brigadier-General Sudrajat says the military will re-assess
the situation Thursday. If there is no improvement, it
will prolong the martial law period. He said both pro-
independence and pro-integration groups had to disarm
before martial law could be lifted.
/// SUDRAJAT ACT ///
Without this participation from both party it is very
difficult to restore law and order and then is going
to cause the prolong of the state of military
emergency.
/// End ACT ///
The general also repeated the government's insistence that
armed international peacekeepers will not be allowed into
the province before November.
/// SUDRAJAT ACT ///
As a matter of fact Indonesia has a responsibility to
maintain law and order and security in East Timor until the
end of November, when our people's consultative assemblly
produces the decree of East Timor's status. After that
day, of course (peacekeepers will) be welcome because the
East Timor process needs a transition of administration
which, I believe, will be the responsibility of United
Nations.
/// END ACT ///
The head of the United Nations mission in East Timor, Ian
Martin, has described the imposition of martial law as a
"very serious measure."
Mr. Martin has asserted that the military will have to
check elements of its own army that are heavily involved in
the anarchy. (Signed)
NEB/BC/KL
07-Sep-1999 10:57 AM EDT (07-Sep-1999 1457 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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