DATE=9/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S INDONESIA (L)
NUMBER=2-253771
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=AUCKLAND
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States has welcomed Indonesian
President B-J Habibi's announcement asking for the
assistance of a U-N Peacekeeping Force to help halt
violence in East Timor and to help implement the
August 30th independence referendum. White House
Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Auckland, New
Zealand where President Clinton is attending a trade
summit.
TEXT: National Security Advisor Sandy Berger
describes Mr. Habibi's decision as a positive
development, and he expressed hope peacekeepers would
soon be deployed in East Timor.
/// BERGER ACT ///
What is important to us is that the force be able to
deploy promptly, that it be effective, that there not
be any restrictions on it that would impede its
effectiveness, and that it is able to both restore
order and effectuate the will of the East Timorese
people as expressed in the August 30 referendum.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Berger says the force will be led by Australia and
be made up mostly of Asians. He says the United
States will take part in a limited support role. U-S
troops would airlift peacekeepers from other nations
into East Timor and provide communication and
transportation services.
He did not say how many American troops would
involved, saying that is an issue under discussion.
Meanwhile, Mr. Clinton is consulting with Congress.
Mr. Habibi's announcement follows growing
international pressure to accept a U-N force in East
Timor.
Mr. Clinton had suspended military sales and
cooperation with Jakarta. Mr. Berger says those
sanctions can be lifted if the peacekeeping operation
proceeds as planned. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAT/RAE-T/RAE
12-Sep-1999 14:08 PM LOC (12-Sep-1999 1808 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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