Annan concerned over violence in East Timor
Annan concerned over violence in East Timor
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters): United Nations (UN) Secretary-
General Kofi Annan expressed concern on Tuesday at recent
violence in East Timor and called on the Indonesian authorities
and community leaders to help ease tensions.
"The secretary-general is concerned by recent violent
incidents in East Timor which have resulted in the death of
innocent civilians," a statement issued through a UN
spokesman said.
"While he welcomes the atmosphere of greater openness that has
created wider possibilities for a discussion on the future of
East Timor, he urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and
to ensure that such discourse is carried out in a peaceful manner
with full respect for basic human rights and tolerance for
differing views."
The statement was issued the day after a youth was shot and
killed and five people wounded in Baucau, East Timor's second-
largest town, when violence erupted during a visit by the
ambassadors of Britain, Austria and the Netherlands.
They were reviewing political developments in the former
Portuguese colony since B.J. Habibie replaced former president
Soeharto last month.
Last Saturday at least one person was killed during clashes in
Dili, East Timor's capital, between rival groups demonstrating
for and against the government.
The UN statement said the secretary-general "calls on the
Indonesian authorities as well as the political, religious and
community leaders in East Timor to exercise their responsibility
and influence in easing tensions and encouraging peaceful and
orderly conduct as people exercise their right to free
expression."
It said Annan remained closely engaged, personally and through
his personal representative for East Timor, ambassador Jamsheed
Marker, in intensified efforts to find a comprehensive,
negotiated settlement of the question of East Timor.
Habibie has promised special autonomy for the province if the
United Nations and Portugal recognize Indonesia's sovereignty.
Since he came to power pro-independence activists have taken
advantage of a climate of greater openness to hold several
rallies.
Separately in Denpasar, Bali, the Udayana Regional Military
Commander Maj. Gen. Adam R. Damiri said it was not yet time to
fully withdraw troops from East Timor, despite pledges from the
government that it is willing to pull out some soldiers
gradually.
"The East Timorese still need the military, not for combat but
to help them develop the province and improve their welfare,"
Adam was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.
Adam admitted that his five battalions already in the province
were actually still inadequate if they are evenly deployed.
The Udayana Military Command oversees Bali, West Nusa
Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara and East Timor.