From: suaram <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 7th Sept 1999 STATEMENT ON EAST TIMOR Solidaritas Timor Timur Malaysia strongly condemns the Indonesian government and Armed Forces for their violent reaction to East Timor's vote for independence carried out under the auspices of the United Nations last week. The East Timorese have made a legal and valid rejection of Indonesia's proposal for autonomy and voted for independence after 24 years of Indonesia's illegal occupation of East Timor. This vote is the choice and right of the people of East Timor, and should be immediately recognised by the Indonesian administration. It is too late to intimidate the East Timorese with further violence, killing and mayhem - their decision for INDEPENDANCE is made. The reaction of the pro-autonomy militia groups and the Indonesian Armed Forces, which Solidaritas Timor Timur Malaysia considers to be one and the same, is reminiscent of the way Jakarta was plunged into violence in May 1998 when the Indonesian people demanded the resignation of the previous President Suharto. The reaction of the pro-autonomy militia groups and the Indonesian Armed Forces negates General Wiranto's commitment to reforming the misdeeds of the New Order under the rule of the previous President Suharto. The reaction of the pro-autonomy militia groups and the Indonesian Armed Forces is completely counter productive to establishing a peaceful settlement with East Timor as an independent state. Solidaritas Timor Timur Malaysia strongly urges the Indonesian government and Armed Forces to stop perpetrating violence against the East Timorese people and immediately recognise their choice for independence. Released by: Nadiah Bamadhaj Solidaritas Timor Timur Malaysia SOLIDARITAS TIMOR TIMUR MALAYSIA P.O. Box 675, Jalan Sultan Post Office 46780 Petaling Jaya, Selangor c/- tel: 03-7943525 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink