---------------------------------------------------------- Visit Indonesia Daily News Online HomePage: http://www.indo-news.com/ Please Visit Our Sponsor http://www.indo-news.com/cgi-bin/ads1 ++ Pemilu Online: http://www.indo-news.com/pemilu/ ++ ---------------------------------------------------------- Antara, June 22, 1999 Violence in Province Not Meant to Thwart Ballot - Minister Jakarta, June 22 (ANTARA) - The violence occurring between warring factions in East Timor are more of emotional outbursts rather than systematic efforts to thwart the United Nations- sponsored direct ballot, in the former Portuguese territory, Justice Minister Muladi said Tuesday. What is important at present is how to disarm these factions as quickly as possible and how to socialize the concept of wide- ranging autonomy being offered by the Indonesian government, he said following a meeting with the UN special envoy, Jamsheed Marker. On the visit of self-exiled East Timorese pro-independence leader, Jose Ramos Horta, to Jakarta, Muladi said if he is coming to Indonesia to conduct campaigns, then he is violating the tripartite agreement signed by Indonesia, Portugal and the UN in New York last May 5. An ANTARA source said Horta may be in Jakarta from June 27-29 to attend the June 26-30 2nd Dare reconciliation meeting involving leaders of pro-integration and pro-independence groups. Muladi however said has no authority regarding Horta's visit until it is approved by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Marker meanwhile said he was grateful and satisfied with the cooperation the UN is receiving from Indonesia, particularly the government. "All actions taken by the Indonesian government are important to the success of the balot. We will continue with the meetings because we have an important decision (to make) next week," Marker said, referring to the decision whether to push through with the August 8 schedule or postpone it for later. "But I cannot reveal what we (Marker and Muladi) have discussed. It is my duty to report it to the secretary general first," he said. Marker is in Indonesia to make a final assessment of the situation in East Timor and to report to Annan whether the security situation is conducive enough for the ballot and preparations are going on as scheduled. The envoy, who was accompanied by chief of the UN Assessment Mission in East Timor, Ian Martin, has had scores of talks with President BJ Habibie and other Indonesian state officials, including Defense Minister Gen Wiranto and Foreign Minister Ali Alatas. Marker on Monday also met with jailed East Timorese pro- independence leader, Xanana Gusmao. He is expected to leave for East Timor on Wednesday (June 23). (T/NN-06/11:38/int-cl/12:34/ri3/14:49/TB03) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Didistribusikan tgl. 28 Jun 1999 jam 07:43:46 GMT+1 oleh: Indonesia Daily News Online <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://www.Indo-News.com/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
