Subject: IPS: Albright: Indon 'Risks Disaster' To
Int'l Reputation
Date: Sat, 4 Sep 1999 14:46:17 EDT
From: Joyo@aol.comU.S. Calls on Indonesia to End Chaos in East Timor
WASHINGTON, Sep 4 (IPS) - The United States told Indonesia Saturday it risked disaster
to its reputation if it failed to ensure security in East Timor, where nearly 80 percent
of the population wanted independence.
"We look to the people of Indonesia to create a secure environment for the next
steps in East Timor's orderly transition (to independence)," Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright said in a statement released here, and in Damascus where she was
visiting this weekend.
"Indonesia has continuing obligations and must live up to them," Albright
said. "To do otherwise risks disaster and will have lasting effects on Indonesia's
status in the international community.
"It is now time for cooperation and conciliation, not chaos and bloodshed."
Albright's official statement followed news of continued violence in East Timor where
78.5 percent of more than 450,000 voters opted for independence, rather than autonomy
within Indonesia, in a ballot conducted by the United Nations.
Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and militias loyal to Jakarta have tried to
obstruct any move toward full independence.
"The United States congratulates the people of East Timor," Albright said.
"In making known your strong desire for independence in this election, you have faced
dangers and hardships..."
She praised the United Nations for its role in organizing the vote and deplored the
violence that has killed scores of Timorese in the past week - including locally-hired UN
staff.
"Let them not have given their lives in vain," Albright said. "Let us
all now work together to complete the UN-administered process. We look forward to being a
good friend to a new member of the international community."
Back to September Menu
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu |
