UN Officials Seek Military Advisers to Join East Timor Autonomy Ballot Mission

United Nations officials have expressed deep concern over the increasing violence and intimidation in East Timor, despite Indonesia's assurances to rein in militias. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has recommended the deployment of military advisers to join the mission overseeing the province's autonomy ballot, citing the continued targeting of pro-independence groups and moderate pro-integration supporters. The report highlights the failure of Indonesia's claims that the political violence involved independence supporters as well as pro-integration militias, with indications that militias are operating with the acquiescence of elements of the army.

Key Takeaways:

• The UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, has called for military advisers to join the mission supervising East Timor's autonomy ballot, citing the continued violence and intimidation.
• Politically motivated killing and intimidation have continued despite Indonesia's assurances that it would rein in militias.
• Mr Annan has dismissed Indonesia's claims that the political violence involved independence supporters as well as pro-integration militias, stating that militias are operating with the acquiescence of elements of the army.
• The UN has expressed concern that the violence has prevented the new Commission on Peace and Stability from beginning its work.
• All but one of the independence leaders on the commission have been forced into hiding due to militia violence.
• The military advisers would provide the mission with a first-hand reading of the army's relationship with the militias.
• A force of 280 UN police, including 50 Australians, will supervise the ballot alongside electoral advisers and administrative assistants.
• The UN will progressively build a team of 241 staff and 420 volunteers in East Timor, joining 4000 local staff in organizing and running the ballot.

Statistics:

• 400,000 eligible voters will be asked to register between June 13 and July 17.
• 280 UN police, including 50 Australians, will supervise the ballot.
• The UN will have a team of 241 staff and 420 volunteers in East Timor, joining 4000 local staff.
• 4000 local staff will be involved in organizing and running the ballot.

Sources:

• UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report to the Security Council
• Jason South, JASON SOUTH
• Tanberg, Cartoonist
• 5May agreement between Indonesia and Portugal
• Report of the UN Secretary-General to the Security Council on the situation in East Timor

Captain's log: TUESDAY, the month and year are not specified