Subject: KY: Amnesty says Indonesian assurances of
nonviolence 'a mockery'
Date: Sat, 07 Aug 1999 10:02:37 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>Kyodo News Service August 6,
1999, Friday
Indonesian assurances of nonviolence 'a mockery'
LONDON, Aug. 6 Kyodo
Indonesia's claims it will improve security for the citizens of East Timor in the lead
up to an independence referendum are untrue, the human rights group Amnesty International
said Friday.
The government is not doing enough to stop pro-Indonesian militias attacking voters
registering for the Aug. 30 poll, the group said in a statement issued in London.
Pointing to two separate incidents in East Timor on Thursday and Friday, Amnesty said,
'The government has reneged on its promise to rein in pro-integration militia groups.
Instead, Indonesia offers them support and protection.'
One registration center in the Bobonaro district is said to have come under attack from
militias Thursday. Carrying machetes and knives, further militia members are alleged to
have attacked another registration post in the Manfahi district early Friday.
'Public and blatant threats and incitement to violence are being made by political
leaders, yet the Indonesian authorities do not apprehend these people,' the group said.
'The only conclusion that can be drawn from such lack of action is that the Indonesian
government (of President B.J. Habibie) does not have the political will to see this
process through,' it said.
The poll at the end of August will establish whether the East Timorese wish for special
autonomy within Indonesia or independence. It has already been postponed for three weeks
because of escalating tension and delays in counting votes in the national parliamentary
elections.
The pro-integration militia groups, Amnesty said, have the clear support of the
Indonesian military, and, to a lesser extent, the police. Among those targeted are
independence campaigners, U.N. staff, aid workers and journalists.
The Indonesian Embassy in London declined to comment. END
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