wfn.org | NCCCUSA Presses End to Militia Violence in East Timor

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
E-Mail: news@ncccusa.org; Web: http://www.ncccusa.org

95NCC9/2/99    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCC, CONCERNED ABOUT ONGOING INSECURITY IN EAST TIMOR,
ASKS U.S. TO PRESS INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT TO STOP THE 
VIOLENCE

 September 2, 1999, NEW YORK CITY - As militias 
allegedly armed, trained and supported by the Indonesian 
military continue their activity in East Timor, the National 
Council of Churches General Secretary today faxed an urgent 
appeal to the U.S. government to "make a clear statement to 
the Indonesian government that the violence must stop and 
that there will be material consequences if they do not 
fulfill their responsibility."

 The full text of the Rev. Dr. Joan B. Campbell's letter 
to President Clinton, with copies to Madeleine Albright, 
Stanley Roth and William Cohen, follows.

-end-
September 2, 1999

President Clinton
The White House
Washington DC  20515

Dear President Clinton:

The people of East Timor showed great courage and 
determination on Monday, August 30, when they turned out in 
record numbers to vote on whether to accept an offer of 
special autonomy with Indonesia.  Many of them traveled long 
distances and waited for hours in the hot sun for their turn 
at the ballot box. Most importantly, they came out despite 
the widespread intimidation to which they have been 
subjected by militias, allegedly armed, trained and 
supported by the Indonesian military.

The vote was also a great success for the staff of UNAMET, 
and a reflection of their diligence in implementing the 
ballot under very difficult circumstances. Representatives 
of our member denominations witnessed this extraordinary 
event as part of an observer delegation with the Asia 
Pacific Center for Justice and Peace. They have testified to 
the large and peaceful turnout of the Timorese, and to the 
conscientiousness of the UNAMET staff in carrying out their 
duties.

However, we are gravely concerned about the continuing 
activity of the militias and lack of sufficient action on 
the part of Indonesia to provide the security for which they 
are responsible under the May 5th UN agreement. Members of 
the delegation were in Ermera district and encountered 
militias blocking access to the town of Glenoe, where a 
staff member of UNAMET had been killed the evening before. 
They witnessed the militia working together with the 
Indonesian military and had to negotiate with both in order 
to be allowed to enter the town and meet the other half of 
the team.

On voting day in Dili, other members of the delegation had 
occasion, along with a UNAMET civilian police officer, to 
request the Indonesian police to provide security for 
several Timorese voters who were afraid to travel to the 
polling station where they were registered to vote. This 
request for assistance was denied by the commander of the 
police.

These are only a few of the many incidents the delegation 
members and other observer groups witnessed and of which 
UNAMET is aware. Observers are particularly concerned that 
the East Timorese staff if UNAMET and the Timorese who 
assisted observer groups are now in particular danger.

It is up to the United States and the international 
community to exert the utmost pressure on Indonesia to 
fulfill its responsibility under the UN Agreement. We appeal 
to you to make a clear statement to the Indonesian 
Government that the violence must stop and that there will 
be material consequences of they do not fulfill their 
responsibility. We also ask that as soon as possible you 
press for an increased security role in East Timor for the 
United Nations.

Yours sincerely,
The Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell,
General Secretary

cc: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
      Assistant Secretary Stanley Roth
      Defense Secretary William Cohen

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