Subject: AN: Indonesia denies report to UN S Council
Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 17:38:05 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>

E. Timor : RI DENIES REPORT TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL

Source : ANTARA, 29 May 1999

New York - Indonesia has denied an assertion in a report of the UN Secretary General to its Security Council, which says that the security situation in East Timor is a result of violence and intimidation committed by the pro-integrationist group backed by the Indonesian military. The denial was signed by Indonesia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Makarim Wibisono in a note sent to the Security Council President, M. Denis Dangue Rewaka, Thursday.

The note has explained in three factors what is seen imbalances in the report of the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. Annan's report was based on the outcome of the UN advanced Team to East Timor.

First, based on the situation on the ground, Indonesia sees the report as an imbalanced picture of the prevailing realities. "It would be misleading to describe that the security situation in East Timor is a result of the continuing violence and intimidation perpetrated solely by one segment of the society. The reality is that such violence has been committed by both sides (pro-independence and pro-integrationist groups)," Makarim said. For instance, he said, the report did not mention the killing of four East Timorese soldiers when they were ambushed by anti-integrationist on May 16 in Bobonaro village. There was also a brutal killing of a civil servant in his own house in Baucau district, while the perpetrators fled after spraying the neighborhood with bullets and torching three houses. In addition, intimidation, harrasment, and violence by anti-integrationists against teachers, nurses, and doctors are continuing and has hampered their services in the territory.

"This (the note) is not to justify nor to excuse the perpetration of such acts by any one side, for they are unacceptable under any circumstances," Makarim said. The note, he said, is aimed at describing the facts, and it should be stressed in orderto make for a balanced report.

"A balanced report is crucial for progress to be made in establishing an atmosphere conducive to the holding of a consultation," Makarim added.

Denied accusation

Furthermore, Indonesia has rejected unsubstantiated allegations based on the beliefs of observers whose sources of information are unverifiable, which suggests acquiescence by elements of the country's army to the militia actions. "To date, there are many UN officials in East Timor and the report, therefore, should be based on their information and not on the beliefs of the so-called observers," the Ambassador said, adding that Indonesia considers the charges to be highly serious. Makarim said Indonesia's committment to the May 5, 1999 agreements is unequivocal and it is determined to see through the successful implementation of the agreements.

The government seriousness to meet the commitment is proved by the establishment of a special task force at the ministerial level on May 11, to monitor and ensure the safe and peaceful implementation of the consultation.

The third factor responded by the Ambassador in its note is the report on the Commission on Peace and Stability which was established in Dili on April 21. The report said that the anti-integrationists could not participate freely in the commission because of some intimidation. "The report is misleading," Makarim noted.

Therefore, he said, it is pertinent to note that the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister, Ali Alatas, has held a meeting with both pro-integrationists and anti-integrationists to explain the substance of wide-ranging autonomy contained in the May 5 agreements.

"The meeting has also provided an opportunity for both sides to freely express their views. They were not apprehensive about attending the meeting," Makarim said.

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