DATE=9/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON-TIMOR (S)
NUMBER=2-254007
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
Intro: The Clinton Administration is warning pro-
Jakarta militiamen in East Timor against carrying out
their threats to attack the Australian-led U-N
peacekeeping force that will soon be moving into the
territory. VOA's David Gollust reports from the White
House.
Text: Administration officials say they do not know
whether the threats attributed to militia leaders in
news reports reflect their real intentions.
But White House spokesman Joe Lockhart says the
threats are "totally unacceptable" and that pro-
Jakarta militiamen would be making an "extraordinary
miscalculation" if they chose to attack the U-N force.
Mr. Lockhart says the 75-hundred member U-N contingent
will have what he called "robust" rules of engagement
and have the appropriate manpower to deal with any
challenge.
Australian military officials have said the
peacekeeping force may have to be enlarged if it
encounters resistance, and the Clinton Administration
has left open the possibility that the U-S commitment
of 200 military support personnel to the force might
later be increased.
The U-S role is mainly logistical and includes
airlift, communications, and intelligence support for
the U-N operation. (Signed)
NEB/DAG/KL
17-Sep-1999 11:00 AM EDT (17-Sep-1999 1500 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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