| =Subject: AFP: European Parliament calls for UN
police force in East Timor Date: Sat, 08 May 1999 09:34:12 -0400 From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org> Received from Joyo Indonesian News: European Parliament calls for UN police force in East Timor STRASBOURG, May 6 (AFP) - The European Parliament on Thursday called for immediate deployment of "a UN police force" in East Timor to maintain peace in the wake of an historic accord between Indonesia and Portugal. The European deputies voted a resolution calling on the European Union council of ministers, EU member states and the UN to "do what is required for the immediate deployment of a UN police force in East Timor." It also called for a UN mission to be "charged with helping with the preparation for and follow-up to a referendum," scheduled to be held on August 8 on the future of the former Portuguese colony annexed by Indonesia in 1976. "Beyond the simple formality of the vote, it is essential to ensure that it is organized and carried out in complete freedom," said the resolution. Indonesia and Portugal on Wednesday signed a landmark deal at the United Nations on the future of East Timor, enabling the East Timorese to vote in a referendum whether to choose independence after 24 years of Indonesian rule. The EP resolution also demanded "the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners," in particular East Timorese independence leader Xanana Gusmao, serving a 20 year sentence in Jakarta. And it said Indonesian authorities should investigate massacres and harassment in East Timor and prosecute those held responsible. Back to May Menu |