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.