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DATE=09/29/2000

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N-Timor (L Only)

NUMBER=2-267272

BYLINE=Breck Ardery

DATELINE=United Nations

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The top United Nations official in East Timor, Sergio Vieira de Mello, today (Friday) called on the government of Indonesia to take aggressive action against armed militia groups. VOA Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: Speaking to the U-N Security Council, Mr. Vieira de Mello recalled the killings in early September of three U-N humanitarian workers in West Timor, part of Indonesia. He also expressed outrage at the incident in West Timor last Sunday in which militia members reclaimed some weapons that had previously been surrendered.

Mr. Vieira de Mello said neither Indonesian army troops nor police made any effort to stop the militia members from reclaiming those weapons. He said he has repeatedly told Indonesian officials they must crack down on the militia groups.

///Vieira de Mello act///

I have stressed, as I had done on several occasions prior to this latest crisis, that the militias present a serious threat not only to East Timor but also to the integrity of Indonesia. I repeatedly called not just for their disarming but also for the arrest of their leaders, their disbanding and relocation.

///end act///

The U-N official said only when the militia problem is resolved will the problems of East Timorese refugees in West Timor also be resolved.

Council members joined Mr. Vieira de Mello in condemning the militia violence in both West and East Timor. American representative Nancy Soderberg endorsed the idea of prosecuting some militia leaders.

///Soderberg act///

Those militia leaders who have committed criminal acts should be investigated and put in jail, not allowed to attend ceremonies but arrested immediately so they can stop being a threat. There has to be a credible and comprehensive move against the militia leaders in all the refugee camps.

///end act///

Many Council members said they are looking forward to a visit to New York next month (Oct 11-12) by Indonesia's Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab. He will update the Council on steps the Indonesian government is taking against the militia groups. At that time, the Council is also expected to set a date for a special Security Council mission to both East Timor and Indonesia.(Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/LSF/PT