=Subject: UN: Annan remarks after East Timor accords
signing
Date: Sat, 08 May 1999 09:27:02 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>Annan remarks after East Timor
accords signing
UNITED NATIONS, May 5 (AFP) - Herewith the complete text of remarks by UN chief Kofi
Annan following the signing of East Timor accords by Portugal and Indonesia at the United
Nations on Wednesday.
"This is a historic moment. I am delighted to tell you that we have just signed
three agreements on East Timor between the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of
Portugal.
"There is a Basic Agreement and two supplementary ones - one covering the security
arrangements for the peaceful implementation of the popular consultation, and the other
the modalities for this consultation.
"As they have done throughout the negotiations, my good friends Ali Alatas and
Jaime Gama have shown an exemplary spirit of cooperation and statesmanship. I am very
grateful to them both, as I believe the whole international community should be, and in
particular the people of East Timor itself.
"We are now moving immediately on to the next phase. United Nations staff are
already on their way to the region to begin preparing for the popular consultation.
"All of us are determined to ensure that it is free, fair and thorough.
"If we are to fulfill that pledge, the United Nations must be able to work freely
and in an atmosphere of security.
"Security in East Timor is the responsibility of the Indonesian Government. I
welcome the assurances given by President Habibie that his Government will fulfill
effectively its responsibility for law and order and the protection of civilians.
"I am gravely concerned about the recent increase in violence in East Timor. I
strongly urge all elements and political tendencies in East Timor to refrain from any
resort to force, and to cooperate with the United Nations in fulfilling its vital tasks.
"I cannot stress too strongly that the success of the process on which we have
embarked depends on the ability of the United Nations to conduct its work in an atmosphere
of calm and security. I hope and trust that the United Nations will receive the full
cooperation of all concerned.
"I should like, once again, to thank the two Foreign Ministers, and through them
their Governments, for the excellent and constructive role they have played in bringing
this long-drawn-out negotiation to such a promising conclusion.
"It is my earnest hope that today's signatures will open a new and more peaceful
chapter in the history of this troubled territory."
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