DATE=9/10/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDONESIA / MILITARY (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253695
BYLINE=PATRICIA NUNAN
DATELINE=JAKARTA
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The head of the Indonesian Armed Forces says
he would consider accepting a United Nations
peacekeeping mission in East Timor -- but says now is
not the time. As Patricia Nunan reports from Jakarta,
the Indonesian government has come under mounting
international pressure to allow peacekeepers into East
Timor -- which has been virtually overrun by armed
militia groups.
Text: It was the first time Indonesia's Armed Forces
chief General Wiranto hinted that Indonesia might be
willing to accept a foreign military presence in East
Timor.
//WIRANTO ACT//
We do not object to the idea of foreign
peacekeeping troops but it is not really the
appropriate time for a foreign security force to
enter East Timor.
//END ACT//
The United Nations and the international community
have been pressuring Indonesia to allow U-N
peacekeepers in East Timor, which has been virtually
taken over by pro-Indonesia militia groups. The
militias --which are against independence for East
Timor -- have gone on a bloody rampage throughout the
territory, killing hundreds and forcing hundreds of
thousands of people to flee.
The violence began after the United Nations announced
on Saturday that the majority of East Timorese voters
cast their ballots against the territory's remaining
with Indonesia in the U-N-supervised autonomy
referendum held August 30th.
General Wiranto says the situation is still too
violent to consider sending peacekeepers into the
territory.
//WIRANTO ACT//
We must first calm down the situation in East
Timor so that U-N forces will be welcome by all
East Timorese people. But we are open for future
discussions on such matters.
//END ACT//
It remains unclear exactly when General Wiranto might
be willing accept an international military presence
in East Timor. The Indonesian government has said in
the past that it would only drop its objection to a
peacekeeping force after the National Assembly meets
in November, when East Timor is expected to be
declared an independent country.
General Wiranto also promised humanitarian aid sent to
East Timor will reach the people in need.
//WIRANTO ACT//
The security personnel will make efforts to
ensure the assistance will be received by the
people who are in need of them in a rapid
accurate and complete manner.
//END ACT//
The Indonesian military imposed martial law on East
Timor on Tuesday, in an effort to restore calm to the
territory. But U-N officials say they have witnessed
Indonesian soldiers participating in attacks with the
militia groups.
Militiamen attacked a schoolyard next to the U-N
compound on Friday. The attack has cast doubt as to
whether a top-level delegation from the U-N Security
Council will be able to visit the territory as planned
on Saturday. (signed)
NEB/PN/GC/KL
10-Sep-1999 07:40 AM EDT (10-Sep-1999 1140 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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