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.