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."