Subject: AP: U.N. Mission Chief Arrives In East
Timor
Date: Fri, 04 Jun 1999 17:37:03 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>Received from Joyo Indonesian
News:
June 1, 1999
U.N. Mission Chief Arrives In East Timor
DILI, Indonesia (AP)--The head of the U.N. mission in East Timor arrived in the
troubled territory Tuesday, warning that peace is a prerequisite for a planned
independence referendum.
"An end to violence is essential to a fair campaign and ballot," Ian Martin
told reporters after arriving in Dili, capital of the former Portuguese colony that
Indonesia invaded in 1975.
"We are here to ensure a peaceful environment for both sides to campaign in and
for a peaceful ballot. I appeal now for an immediate end to violence and intimidation
throughout East Timor."
East Timorese are scheduled to choose between independence or autonomy within Indonesia
at an Aug. 8 referendum.
But militia groups, particularly those which oppose independence, have been accused of
waging a campaign of violence to derail the ballot. The United Nations, which will
supervise voting, has demanded that Indonesian security forces restore order.
"We will be working with the Indonesians to make sure the Indonesian commitment is
fulfilled," said Martin, who will officially open the U.N. mission's office.
U.N. polling officials already are fanning out across remote parts of East Timor,
despite threats from anti-independence militiamen. About 200 voter registration and
polling stations are to be established by June 17.
About 600 civilian U.N. personnel and about 280 foreign police advisers will be in East
Timor before the ballot. Martin said the first of the police contingent will arrive soon
after the Security Council gives final approval.
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