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United Nations

Indonesia Accepts East Timor's Vote for Independence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Following the overwhelming vote for independence in East Timor, Indonesian President B.J. Habibie has expressed the government's acceptance of the outcome, citing the democratic choice made by the majority of the population. This move comes after the voting process, which saw 78% of the 446,953 voters choosing independence, while 21% supported autonomy under Indonesian rule. As the international community reacts to this significant development, tensions are high in East Timor, with pro-independence supporters celebrating and anti-independence militias preparing for a potential conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • Indonesian President B.J. Habibie has accepted East Timor's vote for independence, recognizing the democratic choice made by the majority of the population.
  • The ballot results show that 78% of the 446,953 voters chose independence, while 21% supported autonomy under Indonesian rule.
  • Pro-independence supporters celebrated in the streets, while anti-independence militias began an armed buildup in the East Timor capital of Dili.
  • U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called for the Indonesian government to maintain law and order in the territory, and a U.N. presence, including troops, will be necessary in the transition phase to an independent East Timor.
  • Violence has already forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and resulted in the reported deaths of four U.N. staff and 24 civilians.
  • Jailed East Timor resistance leader Xanana Gusmao has called for the rapid deployment of an armed U.N. peacekeeping force to prevent a new genocide and total destruction in East Timor.

Statistics:

  • 78% of the 446,953 voters chose independence.
  • 21% of the voters supported autonomy under Indonesian rule.
  • 4 U.N. staff and 24 civilians were reportedly killed by pro-Indonesia militias.
  • Since balloting took place on Monday, tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate due to violence.
  • 446,953 people voted in the East Timor independence ballot.

Sources:

  • Indonesian President B.J. Habibie's statement, reported by UPI.
  • U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement to the U.N. Security Council, reported by UPI.
  • Jailed East Timor resistance leader Xanana Gusmao's statement, reported by UPI.

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