DATE=9/26/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ALBRIGHT - TIMOR (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254345
BYLINE=LARRY FREUND
DATELINE=NEW YORK
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
/// Editors: Portuguese Actuality at end of feed ///
INTRO: U-S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has
met in New York (Sunday) with East Timorese
independence leader Xanana Gusmao. In a statement to
reporters, she demanded that the Indonesian government
stop what she called collusion between the Indonesian
military and anti-independence militias. Correspondent
Larry Freund reports from New York.
TEXT: Secretary of State Albright spoke warmly about
Mr. Gusmao, describing her deep respect for his
commitment to reconciliation and democracy. In
contrast, she described as appalling the situation in
West Timor refugee camps where she said collusion
between the Indonesia military and militia groups has
created an extremely dangerous situation.
/// ALBRIGHT ACTUALITY ///
President Habibie has assured the international
community that all displaced persons in West
Timor would be protected, humanely cared for,
and allowed to return safely to East Timor. I
call on the government of Indonesia to
immediately take steps to make good on this
pledge, to stop the collusion between the
Indonesian military and the militias, and to
disarm the militias.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
Secretary of State Albright said the militias must not
be permitted to either threaten displaced persons or
to wage an insurgency campaign against East Timor.
Ms. Albright is scheduled to meet in New York this
week with Indonesian Foreign Minister Alatas. She
told reporters Indonesia's response to these issues
will have an impact on U-S aid to Indonesia.
For his part, Mr. Gusmao thanked the United States for
what he called the important role it played in
avoiding very dramatic genocide in East Timor. The
independence leader said he wants to be allowed to
return to East Timor to say to his people that they
are not alone.
/// GUSMAO ACTUALITY ///
We have our friends, many friends. We can see
the future with new faith, with new confidence
and new determination.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
Mr. Gusmao said he hopes to return to East Timor as
soon as he is allowed. (Signed)
NEB/NY/LSF/gm
26-Sep-1999 20:27 PM EDT (27-Sep-1999 0027 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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