25 October 1999
Text: Ambassador Burleigh's Security Council Remarks on East Timor
(U.S. supports establishment of UN Administration in E. Timor) (810) Supporting the establishment of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) October 25, U.S. Ambassador Peter Burleigh said the international community must help the people of East Timor rebuild their lives and their country. In remarks to the Security Council, Burleigh said the UN must work in close consultation with the East Timorese and pay special attention to those who are still in refugee camps in West Timor. The Security Council established the multimillion-dollar UNTAET to maintain law and order throughout the territory, establish an effective civil administration, coordinate the delivery of humanitarian and development assistance, and help set up a government in East Timor. "We look forward to working with the UN, the people of East Timor, President Wahid and the Government of Indonesia, and our other partners to help ensure that East Timor's transition to independence is as smooth and successful as possible," Burleigh said. Following is the text of the ambassador's remarks: (begin text) October 25, 1999 Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Peter Burleigh, Deputy U.S. Representative to the United Nations, To Establish a United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), Security Council, October 25, 1999 Mr. President, Ambassador Holbrooke regrets that he cannot be here today because of the high importance he attaches to East Timor. He is out fighting to resolve the issue of U.S. arrears. Mr. President, The United States supports the resolution to establish the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). We applaud the decision of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly to accept the results of the popular consultation. As President Clinton said, this historic act "shows respect for the will of the people of East Timor." This resolution, like the Indonesian Assembly's vote, is the right course of action. The International Community must help the people of East Timor, first to rebuild their shattered lives, and then to construct the institutions that they will need to become an independent state. In this regard, we stress the need for continued attention to the plight of those East Timorese who fled violence in East Timor only to face continuing intimidation in refugee camps in West Timor. They must have security in the camps, access to international assistance, and the right to return home. At the same time, we emphasize the need for the United Nations to work in close consultation with the East Timorese, and note with great pleasure the free and safe return to East Timor of Xanana Gusmao, who I had the pleasure to meet in New York. We commend the members of the Security Council for their perseverance on East Timor. Over the last months, we have worked together to support the United Nations. The U.N. response to the crisis in East Timor is an example of the potential and promise of this great institution. Mr. President, I would like to comment on a few elements of the resolution before us. The Council has made appropriate arrangements for the transition from the multinational force, INTERFET, to a U.N. peacekeeping operation. The transition will occur as advised by the Secretary-General, taking into account the views of the INTERFET Force Commander and conditions on the ground. This will not prolong INTERFET's deployment, but it will ensure a safe and effective hand-over. The Secretary-General wisely decided to establish a Trust Fund for East Timor. It is a long-standing practice that peacekeeping assessments are used to support UN staff, peacekeeping forces, and CIVPOL. Civil society projects sustaining a transition to independence should be supported by contributions from those who have shown such a strong interest in helping East Timor become a viable independent state. We welcome the call for all parties to cooperate with investigations into reports violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The attacks on civilians, U.N. staff, NGO personnel, and journalists, as well as the forced displacement of East Timorese were repugnant. It is imperative that credible bodies fully investigate these violations, identify those responsible, and help bring them to justice. We applaud the courage and dedication of UNAMET personnel. We know those assigned to the new mission will work hard to fill their shoes. We also commend all those who contributed to the UN-authorized multinational force, particularly Australia for assuming such a daunting leadership task. INTERFET's efforts have laid the foundation for the UN Transitional Administration. We look forward to working with the U.N., the people of East Timor, President Wahid and the Government of Indonesia, and our other partners to help ensure that East Timor's transition to independence is as smooth and successful as possible. (end text) (end text) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State)
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