U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
August 28, 2000
#2000/931
Statement by Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
MARKING AN ANNIVERSARY IN EAST TIMOR
This Wednesday will mark the first anniversary of the August 30,
1999 consultation organized and validated by the United Nations
in which the overwhelming majority of the people of East Timor
resisted violence and the threat of violence to vote for
independence. We congratulate the East Timorese people for their
long, difficult, and courageous struggle for independence, which
is a year closer to realization. We also commend the work of the
United Nations, which is continuing as it oversees East Timor's
security and its transition to independence.
Sadly, over 100,000 refugees remain in camps in West Timor almost
a year after the traumatic events that drove them from their
homes. They live in an increasingly precarious security
environment and with the second rainy season approaching. We
urge the Indonesian Government to restore security throughout
West Timor and to develop a workable plan for the repatriation
and resettlement of these refugees. The United States and the
international community stand ready to assist.
Finally, we must also note - and deplore - that recent militia
activity along the border and inside East Timor has led to a
series of increasingly violent incidents, including the death of
two UN peacekeepers. The August 30 anniversary may well tempt
these militias or others to resort to more violence. Such
violence must not be tolerated. The militias and those that
support them must be disarmed and disbanded.
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