| Subject: IO: People told to report errant UN
personnel Date: Sat, 24 Jul 1999 12:18:09 -0400 From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org> Received from Joyo Indonesian News: Indonesian Observer 23rd July 1999 People told to report errant UN personnel JAKARTA (IO) — East Timor Police Chief Colonel Timbul Silaen yesterday called on East Timorese to report to his office any United Nations personnel found deviating from existing regulations and local norms. "If the existence of UNAMET personnel makes the residents restless, report it to the local police," he was quoted by Antara as saying in the provincial capital of Dili. He stressed that UNAMET members have been considered as residents, so that they must abide by the local norms which are valid in the area. In addition, village apparatus should mobilize people for the security of their neighbours. "Village chiefs should install announcement boards in order that each person visiting or staying at a certain place reports or meets in accordance with the time set," he said. If the security officers find visitors of UNAMET in houses of the East Timorese people late at night, report them to the local police to avoid public unrest. On the other hand, the East Timorese people should report to the local police, if they find UNAMET members who violate Indonesian law. The number of foreign citizens in East Timor continues to increase in connection with the implementation of the direct ballot in East Timor in August, 1999. Since hotels have limited accommodation facilities, many foreign citizens hire the houses of the East Timorese people. To avoid things which violate the existing law, the local police appeal to the East Timorese people to report to the local police if there are actions which are against existing laws. He went on to say that the East Timorese people should welcome the existence of UNAMET members, who are willing to adjust themselves to the local norms. He pointed out that he will conduct raids on prostitutes who are in operation in hotels in East Timor, particularly in Dili. "Hotel owners should also be responsible for such practices," he said. He emphasized that prostitution is against the law, he said adding that he will face difficulties conducting investigations of prostitution if it happens in the houses of local East Timorese. Back to July Menu |