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Timor-Leste

Escalating Violence in East Timor: International Community Increases Pressure on Indonesia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

British Foreign Secretary's Special Envoy John Battle arrived in Jakarta on September 7, 1999, amidst escalating violence in East Timor following the announcement of the ballot outcome, which saw 78.5 percent of eligible voters reject Indonesia's autonomy package. The international community, including the British government, expressed deep concern over the violence, with Battle stating that the UN expected Indonesia to fulfill a peaceful transition toward a new democracy in East Timor. Battle will meet with Indonesian authorities and East Timorese leaders, including jailed pro-independence leader Xanana Gusmao, to discuss the situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • British Foreign Secretary's Special Envoy John Battle arrived in Jakarta on September 7, 1999, to observe the situation in East Timor, following the announcement of the ballot outcome that saw 78.5 percent of eligible voters reject Indonesia's autonomy package.
  • The international community, including the British government, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in East Timor, with the UN Security Council deciding to send a mission to Jakarta to halt the violence.
  • The UN expected Indonesia to fulfill an orderly and peaceful transition toward a new democracy in East Timor, although it remains unclear whether the Indonesian government will accept international assistance to restore law and order.
  • Dozens of people had died and thousands sought refuge outside East Timor after the August 30 UN-administered ballot, with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announcing the result last Saturday.
  • Battle is scheduled to meet with Indonesian authorities and East Timorese leaders, including jailed pro-independence leader Xanana Gusmao, to discuss the situation and potential ways to restore peace in East Timor.

Statistics:

  • 78.5 percent of eligible voters rejected Indonesia's autonomy package in the ballot outcome announced on September 7, 1999.
  • Dozens of people had died and thousands sought refuge outside East Timor after the August 30 UN-administered ballot.
  • 30 August 1999: The UN-administered ballot outcome was announced, with 78.5 percent of eligible voters rejecting Indonesia's autonomy package.
  • 7 September 1999: British Foreign Secretary's Special Envoy John Battle arrived in Jakarta to observe the situation in East Timor.

Sources:

  • (ANTARA)
  • (C) 1999 Asia Pulse Pte Ltd
  • (http://www.comtexnews.com)

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