Military

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

INDONESIA: "Let Us Respect The East Timorese' Choice"

Leading, independent Kompas insisted (9/3): "The Indonesian government--and we--must accept and obey the poll results. Our fairness will, on balance, positively affect the attitude of the East Timorese toward the results. Once the government, or any party, expresses skepticism, it will be seized as a chance to create conflict, violence or unrest.... The enthusiasm and seriousness with which the East Timorese exercised their voting rights, like it or not, must lead us to realize how sad it would be if their true choice is followed only by conflict, violence and unrest that prolong their suffering."

"East Timor Dilemma"

Independent Media Indonesia concluded (9/3): "The high level of participation in the polls was an Indonesian accomplishment. Unfortunately, it did not merit international recognition, and Indonesia instead is blamed for every drop of blood. President Clinton once again showed the arrogance of a superpower when he threatened Indonesia. The UN Security Council insisted that Indonesia take firm action to control all armed groups and ensure the safety of UNAMET personnel. 'Indonesian responsibility' reverberates continuously, as though Indonesia had no sense of responsibility. But where is responsibility on the part of the United States, Australia, or even the UN?... No matter the underlying pretext, be it human rights or the right to self-determination, what is worthy of suspicion is the concealed interest in making East Timor into a U.S. military base. In short, East Timor remains a dilemma for Indonesia: Releasing it creates problems, but giving it broad autonomy will still leave much to be done. We are a great nation that must have the courage to show greatness in managing this dilemma. Although both the United States and the UN are very big, they are merely big-headed if they do not have the courage to admit their mistake. Even after the polls, the East Timor issue is yet to be resolved."

"Pro-Autonomy Parties' Statement Causes Confusion"

Independent afternoon Suara Bangsa had this view (9/2): "The pro-autonomy parties' statement that they take no responsibility for the poll results in East Timor is confusing, and causes us to question the operation of the polls.... People have been shot to death, their blood staining the streets, and others have been brutally slashed. Cars and houses have been burned. An agreement between Falintil and CNRT leaders was to encourage them to make peace and refrain from acts of violence, let alone attacking each other. As we have seen, such statements are more often lies than truth. How is peace possible without...disarmament?"

"Stop The Violence"

The leading, independent, English-language Jakarta Post asserted (9/3): "Where people's lives and the nation's reputation are at stake, Indonesia must be prepared to swallow some of its national pride and let in an international peacekeeping force into East Timor, especially if it can no longer do its job alone."

"Credibility Gap"

In the editorial view of the government-oriented Indonesian Observer (9/3): "After the UNAMET incident in which four pro-independence persons were killed...while fleeing to safety and another person was hacked to death, it is no longer possible for the government to deny that the slayings were committed with the connivance of Indonesia.... No country can justify the violence which has taken place here, and for which the Indonesian government must assume responsibility. The actions taken by Indonesia can create a credibility gap which is both degrading and disappointing."

"Outsiders Seek To Create Chaos"

Muslim intellectual Republika insisted (9/2): "It is those opposed to East Timorese unity who...must be stopped from disturbing the reconciliation process.... There are strong UNAMET voices persuading people to vote for independence. This certainly raises a question about the motives of UNAMET personnel. The Indonesian government and East Timorese groups are willing to accept whatever result, but outsiders seek to create chaos. Even as the people whom it was feared would kill one another enthusiastically join the polls, there are those seeking to divide them.... It is important that UNAMET question the people involved. The pro-autonomy people could assist by showing the victims of UNAMET persuasion."

"Acceptance"

The government-oriented, English-language Indonesian Observer stressed (9/2): "It is an open secret that, while the government prepares to accept the separation of East Timor from Indonesia, the military is trying by every means to conceal the number of lives lost fighting the guerrillas.... There is no reason for UNAMET to resort to dirty tricks to ensure a victory for the pro-independence forces."

"Poll Conspiracy"

Muslim intellectual Republika contended (8/31): "A lot of interests--including those of religious institutions and NGOs--are playing a role in this referendum under the pretext of democracy and justice. The decision of UNAMET to require a baptism letter from voters as proof of identity, for example, can be perceived as an effort to make it difficult for new [East Timorese] Muslims and non-East Timorese settlers to take part in the polls.... Apart from the ideological factors, East Timor's geographic position linking the Pacific and Indian Oceans is strategic for ocean liners and warships. The United States will certainly not let pass the chance for its political and military interests to monitor the Asia Pacific region."

"Between Referendum And Clinton's Threat"

Independent Media Indonesia insisted (8/30): "A painful blow came from President Clinton and [Australian] Prime Minister Howard. Clinton wrote a warning letter to President Habibie indicating that future U.S.-Indonesia relations very much depend on the security of the polls.... This is another example of the arrogance and double standard in U.S. foreign policy.... Clinton's warning, moments before the polls open, is inappropriate arrogance. Clinton has turned a blind eye to UNAMET officials' favoritism toward anti-integration groups."

"It's Decision Time"

The leading, independent Jakarta Post stressed (8/30): "Indonesia made a mistake in 1975 and has paid a very heavy price, not only in terms of lives and money, but more importantly in terms of its dignity and international standing. Indonesia cannot afford to make that mistake again and must resist all temptation to interfere, under whatever pretext, in East Timor."

"UNAMET: A Tool Of Western Conspiracy"

Armed Forces' ABRI intoned (8/30): "If East Timor segregates from Indonesia, the elite will enjoy the advantages [provided by Western] masters, while the typical East Timorese will simply remain under the colonization of foreign rulers.... The Western, imperialistic conspiracy will not make East Timorese dreams come true. The West will merely collaborate with CNRT [National Council Of Timorese Resistance] elites to achieve its imperialistic aims."

"Atmosphere In East Timor Must Be Conducive To Poll"

Independent Suara Pembaruan judged (8/29): "Jakarta and its armed forces must disarm pro-autonomy militia to end the violence. Similarly, Falintil and pro-independence groups must be disarmed to create a situation conducive to peaceful polls."

"Hope For A Peaceful Referendum"

Leading, independent Kompas judged (8/28): "There must be peace, security and goodwill on all sides if the East Timorese are to accept the results."

"East Timor Tension"

Ruling Golkar Party's Suara Karya concluded (8/28): "From the outset, the impression has been that external parties have an interest in a pro-independence victory.... It would be understandable if a major power such as the United States wanted permission to build a military base in East Timor in case Japan were to refuse to extend its base permit on Okinawa. For Australia, even, a U.S. base in East Timor would provide some comfort. By any measure, Indonesia remains a threat to Australian security. So, if--once again, if--there were a country that wanted to obtain a concession for an East Timor military base, that country would certainly favor segregation of East Timor from this republic."

"UNAMET, Just Remain Neutral!"

Armed Forces' ABRI stressed (8/27): "Our primary concern at this time is that UNAMET...complete its mission in a neutral manner. UNAMET must be impartial, fully in compliance with the tripartite deal, and must show the world which side does not want peace in East Timor--pro- or anti-integration groups.... Only the pro-integration group has sincerely submitted arms to UNAMET.... Therefore, it is not an overstatement to ask UNAMET to remain neutral."

AUSTRALIA: "Stepping Into The Deadly Void"

The national business Australian Financial Review judged in an editorial (9/3): "What should be happening now is action in the UN to make it clear to Indonesia that its failure to maintain security will be regarded as a failure to uphold international agreements and the end of any claim of sovereignty over East Timor. If the UN reaches that conclusion, countries like Australia should be ready to provide an alternative security force quickly.... [Foreign Minister] Downer told Federal Parliament yesterday that Australia was prepared to take part in a security operation 'at whatever level is felt appropriate,' provided it was sanctioned by the Indonesian and Portuguese governments and the UN secretary general."

"Stay Out Of East Timor"

An editorial in the liberal Sydney Morning Herald had this assessment (9/3): "Everybody agrees that the Indonesian military is not doing nearly enough to maintain order and prevent a bloodbath.

"Where opinion differs is on the question of what to do about this situation.... The Australian government, along with the United States and UN, says that the focus should remain on pressing the Indonesians to honor their commitments.... The message must be driven home that unless Indonesia takes its duty seriously in the territory, it cannot expect outside help to pull its economy back up from the floor.... Indonesian troops must do the job they claim to have set out to do in East Timor."

"Australia-U.S. Pact Subject To Review"

An editorial in the national Australian (8/30) focused on the Australia-U.S. relationship and the situation in Indonesia stating (8/30): "It is probable that pressure from Canberra played its part in Bill Clinton's weekend warning that Indonesia risked international consequences if violence accompanied the self-rule ballot in East Timor. Even so, it is obvious there is no enthusiasm in the United States for new military adventures, in Asia or, indeed elsewhere. It is a sober reminder that Indonesia's future is tied to international loans that the United States effectively controls."

"Judgment Day In East Timor"

An editorial in the national business Australian Financial Review had this comment (8/27): "This week both the Australian and the U.S. governments have dampened expectations of providing immediate military protection to the pro-independence Timorese after the expected endorsement of independence.... At the very least, the UN, and countries like the United States and Australia, should be handing the pro-Indonesian militias and the Indonesian army the threat of the real possibility of a UN-led protection force for the new country."

JAPAN: "Indonesia Considers Accepting UN Peacekeepers In East Timor"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai's Jakarta correspondent Matsuno noted (9/3): "Despite [Indonesian Armed Forces' chief, General] Wiranto's stated confidence in the Indonesian military's ability to maintain security in the region, some Indonesian government officials have become worried about the full peacekeeping role of the Indonesian military and police. Jakarta is said to be considering a plan to accept a UN peacekeeping force, while studying measures to deal with the refugees from the violence-wrecked territory."

"Tension Rises In East Timor Over Referendum"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri's editorial pointed out (8/29): "Despite the UN's expressed concern, the Indonesian military has...literally turned a deaf ear to the question of its neutrality vis-a-vis the two competing groups. It is Indonesia's responsibility that the East Timorese be allowed to cast ballots in a free and fair manner."

HONG KONG: "Bleak Scenario"

An editorial in the independent South China Morning Post stressed (9/1): "In the crucial coming weeks the UN must use all its power to provide the protection they are certain to need."

"Let UN Keep The Peace In East Timor"

The independent Hong Kong Standard insisted (8/30): "East Timor has been a bloody patch for the past 23 years.... What happens after [the plebiscite] is anybody's guess. The Indonesian military has made many promises before; none kept. It is still not too late to put together a UN force to keep the contestants apart until well after the results are announced in a week's time."

"Preserving The Peace"

An editorial in the independent South China Morning Post argued (8/28): "Parliamentarians from Australia, Europe and the United States, as well as non-governmental groups both within and outside East Timor, have called for United Nations peacekeepers to be deployed in East Timor. Never has their presence looked more necessary."

PHILIPPINES: "Fear In East Timor"

Publisher Max Soliven remarked in the third-leading Philippine Star (9/3): "It is evident that the pro-Indonesian armed rabble who are terrorizing the inhabitants and threatening UN officials and foreign journalists are intent on scaring off all foreign and independent newsmen and media teams so they can 'fix' the counting of ballots with impunity. And they appear, sadly, to be succeeding. Unless the world community, not just the UN alone, strongly warns Jakarta of international opprobrium--if not an actual international boycott--and Jakarta gets the message, the dream of liberty 'at long last' for the oppressed East Timorese--so cruelly held out by Habibie--will fade."

"Waiting For The Vote Count"

The conservative Philippine Star emphasized (8/31): "In Indonesia, violence often simmers just below the surface, and it can erupt in East Timor as the world awaits the referendum's result which will be announced on September 7. International vigilance is needed to make sure that this historic vote will reflect the true voice of East Timor."

SOUTH KOREA: "Election Results Must Be Accepted By All"

Independent Hankyoreh Shinmun judged (9/1): "In our view, East Timor's independence will only heighten Indonesia's standing in the international community and, more important, expedite the country's democratic process. We urge the government and military of Indonesia to take wise action on East Timor."

"Election Today: Quiet Amid Storm"

Lee Dong-jun observed in moderate Hankook Ilbo (8/30): "Even worse bloodshed is always possible, depending on the results of the election. East Timor will see another eruption of violence if independence supporters do not win the election by a landslide."

THAILAND: "Freedom In East Timor"

The lead editorial of elite, business-oriented Krungthep Turakij judged (9/2): "Chaos and pandemonium will be the usual pretext for Indonesia's continued occupation of East Timor.... We do not wish to see the Indonesian government, or any group for that matter, conveniently cite law and order to once again seize control of the territory."

"Independence Is No Bed Of Roses"

Sunai Phasuk commented in the independent, English-language Nation (9/1): "In all its aspects, independence is definitely not a bed of roses.... In addition to the formation of a strong transitional authority, the security situation may require the UN to reconsider a plan to dispatch armed peacekeepers to prevent violence and maintain law and order for at least five years or until power is completely handed over to Timorese. Equally important, East Timor will need financial resources to function effectively as an independent state...but it is unlikely that Indonesia, undergoing its worst economic crisis ever, will be willing or able to sacrifice in a meaningful way for the survival of the renegade province.

"And finally, with little prospect of economic maturation, it may be wise to avoid the possibility of East Timor ending up just another sinkhole of foreign assistance in Asia."

"Indonesia Bears Responsibility For Security In Timor"

The lead editorial of the top-circulation, moderately conservative Bangkok Post commented (8/29): "If there is no violence [in East Timor] today or tomorrow, it will be a huge surprise. If there is no violence after the voting, it will be a miracle.... President Habibie must provide security in the territory to the best of his ability. And if he thinks he cannot handle the responsibility, he must ask for outside help. If East Timor fails to vote peacefully--or move ahead in a democratic fashion--Indonesia will rightfully be blamed."

EUROPE

PORTUGAL: "Respect"

In an editorial in centrist Diario de Noticias (9/3), Antonio Ribeiro Ferreira commented: "The invaders, certain of defeat, are preparing, shamelessly and in broad daylight, the ultimate act in their crime initiated in December of 1975. The Indonesian armed forces and their militias have succeeded, with the latest attacks in Dili, to intimidate the UN and to sequester the journalists. This done, they control the entire territory, and can murder at will and wait for the day the certain victory for independence is announced in order to unleash a civil war in Timor. This desperate strategy has not been met with a rapid or adequate response by the international community. Worse than that: The UN, while it declines to send Blue Helmets, rushes to applaud the reinforcement of Indonesian troops on the territory. Thus the criminals gain legitimacy for their murders. And security. The Timorese people do not deserve more suffering. They do, in fact, deserve freedom and independence. And they have a right to demand respect from the world. For their past, their present, and their future."

"Security Concerns"

In an opinion piece in left-leaning Jornal de Noticias, retired general Lemos Pires stressed (8/31): "As this goes to press...the positive news reaching us raises our hopes for credible and just results, but does not diminish our apprehension regarding the security surrounding the election process, nor the atmosphere in East Timor--particularly after the results are announced--if, in the meantime, responsibility for security remains in the hands of the Indonesians alone."

"Under Barbed Wire"

In an editorial in center-left O Publico, Adelino Gomes emphasized (8/30): "Everyone knows that, even if the vote is not accompanied by a single act of violence, this was neither a free nor a democratic act.... Whatever the result...the Timorese will continue to live in a climate of intimidation. And many will still die.... Because the fundamental right to self-determination is being exercised, before the eyes of the world, under barbed wire."

"Looking To Xanana"

An editorial in centrist Diario de Noticias held (8/29): "Assuming in full the role of active observer, Portuguese diplomacy has created a situation in which leadership belongs entirely to the leader of the resistance, as Xanana Gusmao has become the director of the whole process and the statesman best prepared...to assure the independent destiny of Timor after the referendum."

"Portugal's Historic Risk"

Readers of centrist Diario de Noticias (8/30) saw these remarks by regular columnist Luis Delgado: "At this moment...all of us, Portuguese, are assuming and sharing this historic risk with our prime minister. Once and for all, Portugal is taking on its role in East Timor."

"Open Letter To Xanana Gusmao"

Columnist Vicent Jorge Silva observed in centrist Diario de Noticias (8/27): "As the emblem of the struggle which you [Xanana Gusmao] kept alive...you are the most substantial guarantee of what must follow: the pacification of the Timorese."

"Bring On The Referendum"

Columnist Luis Delgado pointed out in centrist Diario de Noticias (8/27): If there is the slightest sign of a civil war being started by the militias, more forceful, unquestionable arguments will have to be used by the other parties involved, namely the UN and Portugal. Bring on the referendum. The sooner, the better."

BRITAIN: "Jakarta Must Bear Full Blame"

The centrist Independent's editorial stressed (9/3): "The Indonesian government is fair and square to blame for the madness of the anti-independence militias who have gone on a lethal rampage in East Timor in the past two days. Now the Indonesian government seems ready to hand over the running of East Timor to the UN. The problem is urgent if a potential bloodbath is to be avoided. The UN has repeatedly discovered that intervening in other people's problems can turn out to offer a poisoned chalice. But it would make no sense, now that we have got this far, for the rest of the world to ignore what comes next. If the Timorese have deserved to be supported during their long struggle to end the occupation, it would be nonsensical and absurdly cruel to abandon them now."

"Saving East Timor"

According to the lead editorial in the liberal Guardian (9/3): "[What] if the violence continues or worsens? Then, as we have said before, an armed, UN-sanctioned international peacekeeping force, to back up the existing UN civilian and police mission, may become necessary. It is a problematic project but if--after so many years of Timorese struggle--the alternative is another bloody civil war, there must be no ducking the issue. Not this time."

"When East Timor Speaks"

The independent weekly Economist featured this editorial (9/3): "Having set out with such euphoria on its own path to democracy, it should be incumbent on Indonesia to accept the wishes of the East Timorese. Some members of the Indonesian government have said that they will do so. But the East Timorese vote will first have to be endorsed by an October meeting of the country's highest legislative body.... The situation in East Timor is too urgent to hang about until October. Straight away, Indonesia's security forces need to be replaced, by the UN if possible, by others if not, if the territory is not to descend into anarchy."

"Indonesia's Disgrace"

The conservative Times' editorial held (9/2): "The need now is to keep Indonesia under strong and constant pressure to keep its promises, if necessary by replacing the troops there now with elite units under unequivocal instructions to disarm the militias. Indonesian democracy is on trial.

"It should be left in no doubt that its most powerful friends, and financial backers, will not forgive failure to deal justly, at long last, with East Timor."

"Timor Violentiae"

The conservative Daily Telegraph's lead editorial held (9/1): "If, as expected, East Timor rejects autonomy, the militias may try to start a civil war, with the goal of partitioning the province between them and the independence movement.... That uncertainty places an extra responsibility on the UN. That the population has defied the militias to vote is heart-warming. But it could well require a much greater international commitment than the current, thin UN presence to ensure that its choice is respected."

"Heartening Lessons"

The centrist Independent's lead editorial stressed (8/31): "There is no likelihood of a simple, happy ending in East Timor.... But experience suggests that thuggish militias need the backing of a powerful regime to survive. For the moment, the signs are that the regime in Jakarta accepts the inevitable.... We cannot suppose that East Timor will enjoy an easy future. We can, however, hope that the next 20 years will be better than the last."

"East Timor's Chance"

Readers of the conservative Times saw this editorial (8/26): "Jakarta has shown scant respect for freedom and fairness so far. More broadly, it seems not to grasp that its readiness to right the wrongs done to East Timor is a test of its post-Soeharto commitment to democracy. America, Britain and others must press Jakarta far harder to disband the fifth column its forces have nurtured and to work with the UN. Peace in East Timor is still possible to hope for, but only...under tenacious international protection. A terrible wrong must now at last be put right."

FRANCE: "Terror Over East Timor"

Pierre Rousselin judged in right-of-center Le Figaro (8/30): "Indonesia's army considers itself to be the only cementing element for the country's unity and fears that East Timor might set an example for other secessions that would lead to the country's disintegration.... While the referendum will not be the start of Indonesia's disintegration, it will be a major test for a nation in the grip of economic and political turmoil.... The strategic position of the Indonesian islands and the threat of regional instability are being taken very seriously by the United States and Australia."

"Defective Surveillance"

Romain Franklin opined in left-of-center Liberation (8/30): "The UN has accepted that the army and the Indonesian police be responsible for surveillance during the referendum instead of sending UN observers as the Timorese had asked. This major concession made to Jakarta carries with it a major risk, because the army is against President Habibie's 'capitulation'...and has been secretly arming the militia in favor of integrating East Timor into Indonesia."

GERMANY: "Cowardly Neglect"

Centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich contended (9/3): "Indonesia has violated its international commitments to the worst possible extent. It poses a danger to the democratic process regarding the future of East Timor, which earned a high measure of credibility in light of the overwhelming voter turn-out....

"The worst thing about these developments is that the behavior of the Indonesian police and army was predictable; indeed, it is part and parcel of the culture of a power structure...that was able to do what it wanted for 30 years under the dictator, Soeharto. The international community acted in a cowardly and neglectful manner when it allowed the Indonesian military force the final say on the future of East Timor. Now strong words will not be sufficient.... There will have to be a UN peacekeeping force. But it will take too long to put one together now. It should have been in the country long ago."

"Setback For East Timor"

Jacques Schuster opined in right-of-center Die Welt of Berlin (9/2): "The Indonesian army is behind the attacks on the UN headquarters and the hunt for observers and foreign journalists. The military in Jakarta never thought for a minute it would relinquish control of East Timor.... The UN has no choice but to deploy an effective force to ensure peace. Such a force would not only accompany East Timor into freedom, it would also weaken the power of the generals in Indonesia."

"Everything Depends On The Losers"

Centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich featured this commentary (8/31): "The UN must ensure that the outcome of the vote is respected by the losers. That may be the more difficult task."

ITALY: "East Timor Is Asia's Kosovo"

An editorial in provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio contended (9/3): "The U.S. government, even though the United States is part of the Pacific basin, has inexplicably been silent so far [on the situation in East Timor]. Perhaps White House attention is focused on the Russian scandals and presidential election games. Perhaps it is embarrassed over the confused policy it has pursued in Asia over the last few years and is afraid of making more mistakes. Undoubtedly, Indonesia is going through a delicate phase.... But the international community cannot remain passive and Washington cannot continue to delay taking a position, possibly trying to make do with some attacks on Habibie as far as corruption is concerned in order to 'punish' him for his claims over East Timor."

"Awaiting The Results"

Stefano Citati remarked in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (8/31): "Now that the vote has taken place, the island inhabitants are waiting for the results. They also fear the risk of new explosions of violence and hope that many people, beginning with their Portuguese former colonizers, show the promised support for a new state that will be born poor and without resources."

AUSTRIA: "Independence--And Then What?"

Livia Klingl pointed out in mass-circulation Kurier (8/31): "Apart from the joy about the tranquil referendum, one question arises: what comes next?... [Indonesia's] General Wiranto, the strong man in uniform, was in favor of the referendum, his men supported paramilitary groups in East Timor at the same time. Wiranto's fear is justified that other provinces longing for secession might follow the example and trigger the disintegration of the archipelago. The future of East Timor will be decided by the military rather than by the people there."

"Freedom Or Civil War?"

Foreign affairs writer Brigitte Voykowitsch had this to say in liberal Der Standard (8/30): "Change would not only be in the interest of East Timor, but also of Indonesia itself. As long as politics does not have the military under control, real democracy will not develop there."

BELGIUM: "Looking Beyond The Vote"

Foreign affairs writer Roger Huisman judged in conservative Catholic Het Belang van Limburg (8/31): "When all the votes have been counted in about a week and East Timor is the youngest nation in the world, all problems will not be solved.... As a matter of fact, Indonesia is leaving behind an extremely poor East Timor. The West, which has never been willing to follow up on the condemnation of the invasion by the UN, has the historic duty to give a solid hand to the East Timorese to help them rebuild their nation."

DENMARK: "Problems Ahead"

According to an editorial in center-left Politiken (8/30): "The incidents of violence over the last few days clearly demonstrate the problems that will have to be faced if East Timor, as expected, votes for full independence."

"Vote For Independence Expected"

Center-right Berlingske Tidende noted (8/30): "Indonesia's president, B.J. Habibie, must be left in no doubt that the international community expects him to live up to his promise to respect the wishes of the majority."

RUSSIA: "Threat Of Balkanization"

Aleksandr Timofeyev opined in reformist Vremya-MN (9/1): "The emergence of an independent East Timor may prompt balkanizing Indonesia and the rest of that region--aborigines in Australia and New Zealand are eager for independence, too. East Timor may split up--the 'loyalists,' rejecting the results of the poll, may go to their bases in the western part of the country and ask Indonesia's West Timor for assistance. In that case, the UN would have to send armed peacekeepers to East Timor."

SPAIN: "Fear For Timor"

Liberal, top-circulation El Pais maintained (9/3): "The irresponsible passivity of the Indonesian government could provoke a slaughter in East Timor.... Given the fact that the assassinations and terrors occurred before the results of the referendum were known, anything can happen once the the count is finished and made public, especially if the agitators are left without witnesses since the international observers and journalists who are in Dili, the capital of the island, won't know what can happen inland.... International pressure must be redoubled to get the Indonesian government and army out of their passivity because it is to be feared that the authorities on the spot ignore any order. In any case, the international community should not abandon the citizens of Timor to their fate after having incited them to vote."

"Timorese Labyrinth"

Conservative La Razon concluded (9/2): "It seems that the process begun in Timor by the referendum will have the brakes slammed on if the authorities in Jakarta do not accept the results.... One of the possibilities, perhaps the best for avoiding a bloodbath would be a long political transition."

SWEDEN: "Misgivings Come True In East Timor"

Liberal, independent, Dagens Nyheter told its readers (9/2): "Misgivings over a possible escalation of violence that were at hand before the East Timor elections now seem to come true.... Primarily it is up to Jakarta to guarantee security, and additional troops are said to be on their way to uphold law and order. But there are reasons to doubt that this will be sufficient.... Indonesia and developments there are matters for the international community to deal with. The UN monitors the elections and its members (therefore) hold responsibility that the wish of the people is adhered to and that violence will not be allowed to torpedo the process."

"The First Step Toward Former Indonesia?"

Conservative Svenska Dagbladet told its readers (8/31) in an editorial: "Just as Croatia and Slovenia foreboded the bloody disintegration of Yugoslavia, one can today interpret East Timor as a warning of an approaching disintegration of the Indonesian empire.... Unfortunately Jakarta until now, and particularly with regard to East Timor, has been incapable of checking the military, which by its dirty fight to save Indonesia is digging its grave."

"U.S. Unlikely To Intervene Militarily In East Timor"

In the view of independent, liberal Dagens Nyheter (8/30): "There have been demands for U.S. and Australian preparedness to intervene militarily should violence escalate.... But the question is what the United States can, and wants to do. Despite the fact that official rhetoric is tough, an active U.S. involvement is unlikely. How would Beijing react if the United States, only a few months after the Kosovo operation, would intervene in a country close to China?"

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "The Timorese Vote"

According to an editorial in the nationalist Hindustan Times (9/1): "Nobody seriously believes that the thuggery is over for good. People like the hard-core militia chief, Enrico Guterres, have little to lose, save their tools of terrorism and they may decide on igniting a civil war, as had happened in 1975. On the positive side, however, if the East Timorese do choose independence--as widely expected--the UN can then set up a transitional authority to govern the territory till such time a democratic government could take over. Anyway, the coming weeks should decidedly tell how bright, or dark, the future is going to be for the East Timorese."

"Massive Timorese Turnout In Referendum"

Commentator Harvey Stockwin wrote from Hong Kong in the centrist Times of India (8/31): "Indonesia could have made the case that neither independence nor partition would make any economic sense for tiny East Timor. It is an apt commentary on Indonesian rule over Timor that it appeared to depend, not on rational argument, but on pressure exerted by armed militias."

PAKISTAN: "Referendum In East Timor--Why Not In Kashmir?"

Pro-Muslim League, Urdu-Language Pakistan asked (9/1): "If the East Timorese can decide their own fate, why not the Kashmiris?"

"The East Timor Question"

An editorial in the centrist national News asserted (8/29): "Whatever the outcome of the referendum, the militias representing the two camps in East Timor must not get engaged in any armed clash that will defeat the cause of the vote.

"The rapid deployment of international peacekeepers before Indonesia's highest legislative body ratifies the results of the autonomy poll could prevent further bloodshed."

SRI LANKA: "Timor: A Test For World's Conscience"

The newly launched, independent, English-language Daily Mirror noted (9/3): "East Timor belongs to a special category of cases which also include Palestine and to some extent Kashmir. In all these cases, the indigenous people were under the yoke of occupied forces."

"Resounding 'Yes' To An Independent East Timor?"

Dharmasiri Jayakody penned this op-ed piece in the government-owned and -controlled, English-language Sunday Observer (8/29): "It is expected that the verdict of the long-neglected Timorese would be a clear and resounding 'yes' to independence for their half of the island for which they had been shedding their blood for long years since the colonial subjugation.... Ethnic and religious groups living apart in widely scattered islands too are inspired afresh by the signs that the Golkar [Party's] domination of their interests is on its way out. Timorese, led by the formidable forces of democracy, are counting their fingers to welcome the day when the progressive process of ending their sufferings...will begin."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

CANADA: "East Timor Goes To The Polls"

The leading Globe and Mail argued (8/31): "Although the results of the referendum won't be known for about a week, the East Timorese appear determined to sever their connections to Indonesia and become the world's newest sovereign state. What happens next is the question. The most likely answer is civil war if the UN doesn't act swiftly to keep the local belligerents apart until the results of the vote can be ratified by the Indonesian parliament later this autumn."

"East Timor, Solo"

The conservative National Post declared (8/31): "If East Timor goes, the West must diplomatically, militarily and economically buttress a strong central government. At the same time, Indonesia's leaders should be persuaded to diffuse provincial anger by decentralizing authority and rejigging the system so the outer islands benefit more directly from export revenues. East Timor is a special case, and should not be regarded as a precedent."

"Chance For East Timor"

Montreal's liberal Gazette indicated (8/27): "To give the long-suffering people of East Timor a chance, the UN should look beyond next week's vote. It should go ahead with its plan to approve an increase in the size of its mission in East Timor.... Everything points to the road to independence being a rocky one."

BRAZIL: "Bloodbath In East Timor"

Liberal Folha de Sao Paulo maintained (9/2): "The carnage during the voting, the murder of UN staff members, the confrontation between paramilitaries...and separatist supporters raise suspicions that a peaceful plebiscite would not interest Indonesia. A short history of the role of Indonesia's forces in the repression of East Timor only increases such suspicions.... The Indonesian government has refused to receive an international peace force, but the UN cannot tolerate intimidation of its mission or of the Timorese' right to free expression."

For more information, please contact:

U.S. Information Agency

Office of Public Liaison

Telephone: (202) 619-4355

9/3/99

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