---------------------------------------------------------- Visit Indonesia Daily News Online HomePage: http://www.indo-news.com/ Please Visit Our Sponsor http://www.indo-news.com/cgi-bin/ads1 ---------------------------------------------------------- U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S UNAMET UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN EAST TIMOR Misi Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa Di Timor Timur Briefing Summary for Wednesday, 25 August 1999 UNAMET Deputy Spokesman Hiro Ueki began today's briefing informing correspondents that yesterday the President of the Security Council issued a press statement concerning East Timor. The statement reads as follows: "Council members were briefed by USG Kieran Prendergast [Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs] on the situation in East Timor. They decided to put the draft resolution on the interim phase into blue, or near final form and that they would return to the issue on 27 August to adopt it. They welcomed the successful completion of the registration process and stressed that the remainder of the process takes place in a secure environment. They also deplored recent acts of violence and intimidation against UN staff. They reiterated their support for the work of UNAMET in East Timor. They expressed strong concern at the continuing campaign of intimidation and violence in East Timor. They recalled Indonesia's responsibility under the 5 May Agreements for ensuring a secure environment devoid of violence throughout the ballot period. In this regard, they welcomed the undertakings by the Indonesian government to address the situation. They called upon the parties to fulfil their commitments in respect of disarmament and cantonment. They highlighted the importance of the ballot going ahead as planned on 30 August in a secure environment and supported the Secretary-General's intention to proceed on this basis." Today, an additional 50 polling supervisors will be arriving from Darwin. With this new arrival, UNAMET will have 460 UN Volunteers, including medical staff, on the polling day. On that day there will be a total of 850 polling stations located at 200 polling centres. Additional local staff have been hired for the day, as well. UNAMET expects to hire just over 4,000 locals to assist in polling day activities. In addition to the 100 official observers from Indonesia and Portugal (50 from each), UNAMET has accredited just over 1,600 independent observers. The recent escalation of violence and intimidation, particularly in the western region of East Timor, has led to a new movement of internally displaced persons (IDPs). It is estimated that several thousands of IDPs have moved away from the places where they registered and will therefore face serious problems in voting in the ballot. Groups of IDPs continue to be targeted by armed militias and the delivery of humanitarian assistance is severely restricted due to security concerns. There are reports of shortages of food and medical assistance in many areas. Today, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is sending a humanitarian convoy to Maubara. They will be sending another convoy to Suai tomorrow and to Atabae on 28 August. A correspondent asked what steps UNAMET has taken to ensure that recently moved IDPs would be able to vote. The Deputy Spokesman said UNAMET CivPol have been discussing additional security measures with the Indonesian police. UNAMET has been given assurances that the Indonesian police will increase their presence and will patrol certain routes to ensure the free movement of voters on the polling day and will be accompanying them in this endeavour. In response to a question, Mr. Ueki said all the ballots will be brought to one central counting location in Dili where they will be counted. A correspondent asked what security arrangements have been made for the polling centres. The Deputy Spokesman said UNAMET has made arrangements to ensure the security of the polling centre. UNAMET CivPol will be working with the Indonesian police who will be tasked with securing the polling centres. He added that separate arrangements will be made for the press to observe the counting. A correspondent asked what security measures are being taken to guarantee the safety of the aid convoys and asked who were in the convoys. Mr. Ueki said the convoys are organized by UNHCR and questions on this matter should be directed to them. A correspondent asked the Deputy Spokesman whether UNAMET was considering delaying the ballot. He said UNAMET was going ahead with the ballot on 30 August. In response to a question, Mr. Ueki said Special Representative Ian Martin specifically demanded the removal of some military officers and as a result the military commander in Maliana is being replaced. Finally, a correspondent asked whether additional UN CivPol and MLOs, agreed to by the Indonesian Government, were expected to arrive in East Timor prior to the ballot. The Deputy Spokesman said the Security Council would have to act on its resolution on 27 August and approve the Secretary-General's recommendations before being able to increase the authorized strength of CivPol and MLOs. The first group of MLOs, he said, are scheduled to arrive in Darwin soon for training and briefings. As soon as practical arrangements are made they will be flown to East Timor. As for CivPol, UNAMET is still making arrangements in consultation with various governments. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Didistribusikan tgl. 25 Aug 1999 jam 14:09:59 GMT+1 oleh: Indonesia Daily News Online <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.Indo-News.com/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
