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)