Subject: RT: Carter Says Indonesia Trying To Derail
Timor Vote
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 09:25:23 -0400
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>Received from Joyo Indonesian
News:
Reuters 12.01 a.m. ET (404 GMT) August 11, 1999
Carter Says Indonesia Trying To Derail Timor Vote
DILI, East Timor — Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter Wednesday accused Indonesian
officials of trying to sabotage this month's East Timorese ballot on independence.
"Some top representatives of the government of Indonesia have failed to fulfil
their main obligations with respect to public order and security, and in many cases, have
actively sought to undermine the popular consultation process,'' a statement from the
Carter Center quoted him as saying.
East Timorese are to vote on August 30 on whether they want independence or increased
autonomy within Indonesia.
The statement, issued in East Timor, said Carter Center observers had collected
mounting evidence "that Indonesian military and other government agencies are
supporting, directing and arming pro-integration militias to create a climate of fear and
violence.''
Elements of the powerful Indonesian military are deeply unhappy with the prospect of
independence for East Timor, fearing it would encourage separatist groups elsewhere in
Indonesia.
Militia groups opposed to independence have imposed a reign of terror in much of the
troubled territory and the Carter Center was also critical of the Indonesian police, who
are responsible for security, for not doing enough to curb them.
"The Indonesian police have consistently failed to take the steps necessary to
maintain law and order, and in some cases have colluded with pro-integration militias.''
Indonesia's harsh 23-year rule of East Timor has never been recognized by the United
Nations which is organizing the vote.
U.N. officials have repeatedly complained of attempts to intimidate its staff in the
territory.
Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for substantial increases in the
number of international civilian police advisers and military liaison officers after the
vote, saying the situation at that time would be "rather delicate.''
Back to August Menu
Human Rights Violations in East Timor
Main Postings Menu |
