Subject: UN: SG on situation in E Timor
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1998 08:49:10 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>13 October 1998 Press Release
SG/SM/6744
SECRETARY-GENERAL, CONCERNED BY RISING TENSIONS IN EAST TIMOR, CALLS FOR CESSATION OF
ALL MILITARY ACTIVITY
19981013
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi
Annan:
The Secretary-General is concerned by the rising tensions in East Timor. In particular,
he is disturbed by reports of armed clashes in the Territory and by remarks which have
been attributed to local officials and appear to have provoked large-scale protests in the
last few days.
The Secretary-General would like to underline that, in view of the important
opportunities that have been created for a resolution of the question of East Timor
through the negotiations under his auspices, and the commendable efforts being made by
Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the Apostolic Administrator of Dili, and others to foster
tolerance and peace in East Timor, it is incumbent on all parties concerned to avoid
taking steps that could jeopardize or unnecessarily complicate the delicate efforts to
find a just settlement to this long running dispute. He calls for a cessation of all
military activity and for a substantial reduction of the Indonesian military presence in
the Territory.
Following the latest Senior Officials' Meeting between Indonesia and Portugal, held in
New York from 6 to 8 October 1998 under the chairmanship of his Personal Representative,
Jamsheed Marker, the Secretary-General intends to further intensify his consultations with
East Timorese leaders with a view to ensuring their active involvement in the negotiating
process.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NOON BRIEFING BY FRED ECKHARD, SPOKESMAN FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
Tuesday, 13 October 1998
EAST TIMOR
The Secretary-General, in a statement on rising tensions in East Timor, urged all
parties to avoid taking steps that could jeopardize or unnecessarily complicate the
delicate efforts to find a just settlement. He called for a cessation of all military
activity and for a substantial reduction of the Indonesian military presence in the
Territory and said he intends to further intensify his consultations with East Timorese
leaders.
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