PM Howard puts the blame on RI

PM Howard puts the blame on RI

SYDNEY (AFP): Australian Prime Minister John Howard said in a
televised speech aired Sunday night that Indonesia's inability to
keep peace in East Timor forced the international community to
send in a peacekeeping force.

"The total failure of the Indonesian forces to control the
violence and put an end to the killings has greatly distressed
the Australian people," he said.

"We have all sensed that a small, vulnerable community was
about to be denied the freedom they have sought for so long, and
voted so overwhelmingly to achieve.

"If there had been an alternative to sending in peacekeeping
forces, then we would have followed it."

Howard said continued instability in a territory so close to
Australia could have had serious consequences in the longer run.

"Many nations, not least Australia, pressed the Indonesian
government to restore order. But despite assurances, this did not
happen," he added.

"Indonesia is our nearest neighbor. We want friendly relations
with the people of that country. We have always tried to help
Indonesia with her problems. We gave special aid when the Asian
economic collapse hit Indonesia.

"It was our preference that Indonesia keep order in East Timor
while the transition to independence for the East Timorese
people, under the supervision of the United Nations, took place.

"Unfortunately this did not occur and it became essential that
Indonesia be persuaded to accept a peacekeeping force."

He said the aim was a situation in East Timor where the United
Nations could supervise the peaceful transition to independence.

"After all, 78.5 per cent of the people of East Timor voted
for independence only two weeks ago," he added.

And he warned it might be a protracted affair.

"We all hope that this mission can be accomplished smoothly
and quickly," Howard said.

"We must, however, prepare for the possibility that it could
be long and protracted."