Annan concerned over violence in East Timor<\/p>\n
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters): United Nations (UN) Secretary-
\nGeneral Kofi Annan expressed concern on Tuesday at recent
\nviolence in East Timor and called on the Indonesian authorities
\nand community leaders to help ease tensions.<\/p>\n
\"The secretary-general is concerned by recent violent
\nincidents in East Timor which have resulted in the death of
\ninnocent civilians,\" a statement issued through a UN
\nspokesman said.<\/p>\n
\"While he welcomes the atmosphere of greater openness that has
\ncreated wider possibilities for a discussion on the future of
\nEast Timor, he urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and
\nto ensure that such discourse is carried out in a peaceful manner
\nwith full respect for basic human rights and tolerance for
\ndiffering views.\"<\/p>\n
The statement was issued the day after a youth was shot and
\nkilled and five people wounded in Baucau, East Timor's second-
\nlargest town, when violence erupted during a visit by the
\nambassadors of Britain, Austria and the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
They were reviewing political developments in the former
\nPortuguese colony since B.J. Habibie replaced former president
\nSoeharto last month.<\/p>\n
Last Saturday at least one person was killed during clashes in
\nDili, East Timor's capital, between rival groups demonstrating
\nfor and against the government.<\/p>\n
The UN statement said the secretary-general \"calls on the
\nIndonesian authorities as well as the political, religious and
\ncommunity leaders in East Timor to exercise their responsibility
\nand influence in easing tensions and encouraging peaceful and
\norderly conduct as people exercise their right to free
\nexpression.\"<\/p>\n
It said Annan remained closely engaged, personally and through
\nhis personal representative for East Timor, ambassador Jamsheed
\nMarker, in intensified efforts to find a comprehensive,
\nnegotiated settlement of the question of East Timor.<\/p>\n
Habibie has promised special autonomy for the province if the
\nUnited Nations and Portugal recognize Indonesia's sovereignty.
\nSince he came to power pro-independence activists have taken
\nadvantage of a climate of greater openness to hold several
\nrallies.<\/p>\n
Separately in Denpasar, Bali, the Udayana Regional Military
\nCommander Maj. Gen. Adam R. Damiri said it was not yet time to
\nfully withdraw troops from East Timor, despite pledges from the
\ngovernment that it is willing to pull out some soldiers
\ngradually.<\/p>\n
\"The East Timorese still need the military, not for combat but
\nto help them develop the province and improve their welfare,\"
\nAdam was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.<\/p>\n
Adam admitted that his five battalions already in the province
\nwere actually still inadequate if they are evenly deployed.<\/p>\n
The Udayana Military Command oversees Bali, West Nusa
\nTenggara, East Nusa Tenggara and East Timor.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/annan-concerned-over-violence-in-east-timor-1447893297",
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