U.S. warns Indonesia on E. Timor refugees

U.S. warns Indonesia on E. Timor refugees

MANILA (Reuters): The United States intensified pressure on
Indonesia on Sunday to help thousands of East Timorese return
safely from camps in West Timor where their leaders say they are
terrorised by pro-Jakarta militias.

U.S. Defence Secretary William Cohen said it was vital the
refugees be allowed home.

"We are hoping that this takes place and it is vitally
important that it does take place," he told reporters in Manila
at the end of a five-nation tour.

"I believe this is of fundamental interest to Indonesia, how
East Timor is resolved, and that includes a secure and safe
return of those currently in West Timor and preventing them from
being attacked," Cohen added.

More than 200,000 East Timorese, nearly half of them children,
have fled to West Timor since the territory's August 30 vote for
independence from Indonesia triggered an orgy of violence by pro-
Jakarta militias.

An Australian-led international force is trying to restore
order in East Timor but has no mandate to cross over to West
Timor, which is part of Indonesia.

East Timorese Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta has
told a U.S. congressional panel that the refugees were being held
against their will and brutalised in Indonesian-held territory,
while international aid agencies were denied full access to their
camps.

Cohen said the United States would help transport any
additional troops the Philippines sent to take part in the
international force in East Timor.

A total of 240 Philippine non-combat troops have already been
deployed in East Timor and Defence Secretary Orlando Mercado said
an additional 600 to 1,000 troops could be sent.

Cohen came to the Philippines after visits to Australia,
Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. In Bangkok, he also promised
U.S. help in transporting Thai troops joining the force in East
Timor.