DATE=9/11/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - INDONESIA (L)
NUMBER=2-253721
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=AUCKLAND
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: President Clinton is in New Zealand for a
trade summit that is expected to be overshadowed by
the violence in East Timor. In his strongest
statement to date, Mr. Clinton accused the Indonesian
military of direct involvement in the violence that
has wracked the territory since last month's pro-
independence referendum vote. V-O-A Correspondent
Deborah Tate reports from Auckland.
Text: Expressing alarm at the escalating attacks in
East Timor, Mr. Clinton says it is clear the
Indonesian military is aiding and abetting the militia
violence.
It was the first time the President accused Indonesia
of direct involvement in the brutal campaign by
militias opposed to the August 30th independence vote.
"This is simply unacceptable" the President said in a
statement issued from Air Force One as he flew to
Auckland.
He said the actions of the Indonesian military stand
in stark contrast to the commitments it has given to
the international community. He called on the
Indonesian government and military to - in his words -
reverse course, do everything possible to stop the
violence and allow an international force to
facilitate the restoration of security.
The President released his statement after a refueling
stop at Hickham Air Force Base in Hawaii, where he was
briefed on the East Timor situation from Admiral Denny
Blair, the U.S. Commander of Pacific forces. Admiral
Blair met this week in Jakarta with Indonesian General
Wiranto.
Mr. Clinton also used his Honolulu stop to call
Australian Prime Minister John Howard to discuss how
best to press Indonesia to accept an international
peacekeeping force in East Timor. He has pledged to
provide support if such a force is established,
although U.S. officials say Washington has no plans to
contribute troops.
After the President's decision Thursday to suspend all
military programs with Indonesia, the administration
is now considering whether to suspend commercial and
economic engagement with Jakarta.
White House National Security Advisor Samuel (Sandy)
Berger, briefing reporters on Air Force One to the way
to New Zealand, reiterated the administration's
warning to Indonesia if it does not reverse course on
East Timor:
// Berger actuality //
I think there is an enormous amount at stake
here for the Indonesians, not only in honoring
their commitments to abide by the results of the
Timor vote, but also in terms of their standing
in the international community and willingness
of the international community to be of material
support.
// end act //
Citing the situation in East Timor, Indonesia
President B-J Habibe has declined to attend the Asia-
Pacific Economic summit which opens here Sunday.
(signed)
NEB/DAT/PT
10-Sep-1999 21:37 PM LOC (11-Sep-1999 0137 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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