News from the Washington File

01 October 1999
National Security Advisor, Timorese Leader Review Refugee Situation

(Berger stresses U.S. concern over West Timor)  (400)
The President's National Security Advisor, Samuel R. Berger, met with
Jose Alexandre Gusmao (Xanana), the President of the National Council
for the Timorese Resistance, at the White House September 30 to
discuss the humanitarian situation in East and West Timor and the
implementation of the August 30 referendum.
Berger and Gusmao reviewed ongoing U.S. efforts to provide relief for,
and ensure the safety of, Timorese refugees. Berger noted that the
United States has provided $20 million in aid to the relief effort, as
well as support for programs by the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees, the World Food Program, and the International Committee
of the Red Cross.
Berger said the United States was particularly concerned about the
situation in West Timor, and urges the Indonesian government and
military to facilitate access to refugees there by humanitarian
organizations, and to make possible the refugees' prompt return to
their homes in East Timor.
Following is the text of the White House press release:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
September 30, 1999
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
Jose Alexandre Gusmao (Xanana), the President of the National Council
for the Timorese Resistance, met with the President's National
Security Advisor, Samuel R. Berger, at the White House today. Mr.
Berger assured Mr. Gusmao of the President's continued commitment to
the peaceful implementation of the results of the August 30
consultation. Their discussion focused on the humanitarian situation
in both East and West Timor and the implementation of the referendum.
The National Security Advisor reviewed ongoing U.S. efforts to provide
relief and encourage protection for Timorese refugees, noting that
over the past several weeks the United States has provided $20 million
in aid to the relief effort, including food and other supplies, as
well as support for the programs of the UNHCR, the World Food Program
and the ICRC.
The United States is gravely concerned about the situation in West
Timor. We continue to urge the Indonesian government and military to
facilitate access to refugees in West Timor for humanitarian
organizations, and to make possible their prompt return to their homes
in East Timor.
The President's National Security Advisor also stressed that the
United States strongly supports a continued democratic transition in
Indonesia.
(end text)
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National Security Advisor, Timorese Leader Review Refugee Situation
