DATE=10/1/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N - EAST TIMOR - PROBE (L - ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254568
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations is sending a first group of
human rights experts to Indonesia next week to
investigate alleged atrocities in East Timor. It is
one of the first steps toward determining who is
responsible for hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of
deaths surrounding East Timor's August 30th
independence poll. V-O-A's U-N correspondent max
Ruston reports.
TEXT: U-N spokesman Fred Eckhard says the first team
in the inquiry will be dominated by technical and
forensic experts. It will travel to Indonesia next
week on instructions from U-N High Commissioner for
Human Rights, Mary Robinson, who is heading the
inquiry concerning East Timor. Soon after the team
begins its work, a special panel will be appointed to
oversee the inquiry. It will include five experts in
human rights and other fields.
Mr. Eckhard:
/// Ekhard act ///
The office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
has begun preparations for the establishment of the
international commission of inquiry on East Timor and
to elaborate its terms of reference. The office hopes
to deploy technical support staff in the region by
next week.
/// end act ///
The commission of inquiry is also seeking about 500-
thousand dollars in initial funding.
The United Nations is moving forward quickly with the
inquiry despite some signs of opposition from the
Indonesian government. Indonesia says it is launching
its own investigation into the events in East Timor,
but has not ruled out working with the U-N inquiry.
The investigations will look into widespread charges
of murder, rape and torture, allegedly perpetrated by
pro-Jakarta militias and members of the Indonesian
military. The worst violence took place in September,
after election results showed that nearly 80 percent
of voters supported independence from Indonesia.
Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975. Before that the
territory was a Portuguese colony. (Signed)
(Signed)
NEB/UN/MPR/LSF/JP
01-Oct-1999 16:41 PM EDT (01-Oct-1999 2041 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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