U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
(New York, New York)
For Immediate Release September 6, 2000
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT
INDONESIA - ATTACK ON UNHCR OFFICES IN WEST TIMOR
New York, New York September 6, 2000
SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: On September 6, a mob led by militia
elements attacked the offices of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Atambua, West Timor, killing
at least three UNHCR staff members, including one U.S. citizen,
and injuring several others. I am deeply disturbed by these
deaths and injuries, and I deplore this unprovoked attack on
unarmed civilians doing humanitarian work. Such violence must not
be tolerated. On behalf of the people and Government of the
United States I offer our deepest condolences to the United
Nations and to the families of the staff members killed. We
honor the sacrifice of those who died for the cause of peace.
Yesterday, when I met in New York with President Abdurrahman
Wahid, I emphasized the need to disarm and disband the militias
operating in West Timor. Indonesian military forces responsible
for maintaining order are failing at this most basic duty. This
failure has forced the withdrawal of international workers who
were in West Timor to provide assistance, including food and
other basic necessities, to those in need.
Today's tragic events underline the urgent need to address this
situation. I again call on the Indonesian Government to take
immediate action to restore order, ensure the safety and welfare
of all refugees and remaining foreign nationals, and bring the
perpetrators of this violence to justice without delay.
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