Precedence: bulk Joint International Observer Missions To the East Timor Popular Consultation Process PRESS STATEMENT Dili, 1 September 1999 We the International Observer Missions listed below consider it of the utmost importance to express our evaluation of the consultation process implemented by UNAMET in the Framework of the May 5th agreement under the auspices of the Secretary General of United Nations. We want to state, in the very first place, our recognition to the professional work undertaken by the international and local staff of UNAMET, with full respect to the free will of the people to vote. In sharp contrast with the electoral process, we are extremely concerned that despite the determination shown by the East Timorese people to vote in the popular consultation in such impressive numbers on 30th August, the climate of fear and intimidation continues to distort their will. Specifically, we want to express our concern regarding the respect and full compliance with Article 3 of the May 5th Agreement which states: "The Government of Indonesia will be responsible for maintaining peace and security in East Timor in order to ensure that the popular consultation is carried out in a fair and peaceful way in an atmosphere free of intimidation, violence or interference from any side." There has been a systematic process of intimidation against the East Timorese population as well as local and international UNAMET personnel and international observers. Roadblocks, checkpoints, beatings, shootings as well as the burning and destruction of property at different times and places, are some of the forms of intimidation that we see every day, especially by so-called "militias", whose actions have been tolerated by the police and the army. The Indonesian Government is solely responsible for eradicating all forms of violence and intimidation to guarantee an adequate climate before , during and after the voting on August 30. Therefore, we demand that the Indonesian government fulfill its responsibilities by immediately disarming and bringing the militias under control without further delay, and we ask that the international community and the United Nations take stronger measure to encourage Indonesia to restore safety, peace and security. International Platform of Jurists for East Timor (IPJET) Independent Committee for the Monitoring of Balloting (KIPER) International Federation for East Timor Observer Project (IFET-OP) Catholic Institute for International Relations (CIIR) Australia East Timor International Volunteer Project (AETIVP) Official delegation of Chile U.N. Australia Association Uniting Church in Australia Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace (APCJP) Oxfam International Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) ---------- SiaR WEBSITE: http://apchr.murdoch.edu.au/minihub/siarlist/maillist.html
