World condemns West Timor killings
World condemns West Timor killings
NEW YORK (JP): The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the killing of three UN workers in West Timor and urged Indonesia to disarm militias who have terrorized East Timorese refugees and aid workers there.
The Security Council met in an emergency session and condemned what it called "an egregious and contemptible act on unarmed international staff".
Security Council president Moctar Ouane, speaking on behalf of the 15 member council, called the security situation serious and demanded all sides take steps to ensure the security of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) staff.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan during a meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid also raised concern at the situation.
A statement by Annan's office said he told the President that the security situation was "unacceptable", and that Annan "strongly condemns the murders by rampaging militia members in West Timor".
United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright joined the chorus of condemnations saying she was "deeply disturbed by these deaths and injuries and I deplore this unprovoked attack on unarmed civilians doing humanitarian work".
AFP reported that she had met with President Abdurrahman Wahid and had "emphasized the need to disarm and disband the militias operating in West Timor. Indonesian military forces responsible for maintaining order are failing in this most basic duty."
Meanwhile East Timorese leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao along with his top advisor Ramos Horta, also met with Abdurrahman to discuss the latest development.
Speaking to Indonesian journalists after the meeting, Gusmao alleged that military hardliners from the Army Special Troops (Kopassus) and anti-democracy elements might be behind the incident.
Gusmao said the international community should assist the President in his effort to restore democracy and reiterated his belief that Abdurrahman was very sincere in helping East Timorese reach independence.
"We have known the military for more than 24 years. We think there are some officers from Kopassus who still want to destabilize the process of democratization in Indonesia," Gusmao remarked.
In Brussels, the European Commission also condemned the incident and called upon Indonesia to quickly ensure the safety of humanitarian staff.
"They were barbaric killings by any standards," External Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten told reporters.(prb)