UN Presence in East Timor to Calm Tensions

Strategic Insights -

Senior Australian and United Nations officials stated that a proposed large-scale UN presence in East Timor would help calm tensions despite reports of continued political killings and plans to partition the territory. The UN presence is expected to begin after May 5, when Indonesia and Portugal are set to approve UN proposals for organizing and securing a vote on autonomy or independence. The vote, likely to take place in August, aims to ensure free and fair conditions, with hundreds of UN personnel necessary to facilitate the process.

Key Takeaways:

  • A proposed UN presence in East Timor, involving hundreds of personnel, is expected to begin after May 5, to calm tensions and ensure a fair vote.
  • The vote on autonomy or independence is likely to take place in August, with the UN aiming to provide security and impartiality.
  • Indonesia has insisted on maintaining control of security in East Timor, despite concerns over the country's involvement in human rights abuses and militia violence.
  • The UN special envoy for East Timor, Jamsheed Marker, stated that the UN presence will serve as a reassurance and guarantee fair play during the voting process.
  • Australian officials, including Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, have expressed concerns over Indonesia's security forces maintaining a significant presence in East Timor.
  • Influential elements in the Indonesian security forces want East Timor to remain part of Indonesia, fearing its independence may encourage other parts of the country to break away.
  • Violence has increased in East Timor since President B.J. Habibie announced that Indonesia would consider severing ties with the territory if autonomy is rejected.

Statistics:

  • 200 different polling stations expected in East Timor for the vote on autonomy or independence.
  • 800,000 people reside in East Timor, with Australian officials estimating that hundreds of UN personnel will be necessary to facilitate the vote.
  • The Indonesian police and troops consider East Timor as an integral part of Indonesia.
  • Up to 300 people may have been killed by militia members in the Suai district, according to news agency reports.
  • 18,000 Indonesian police and troops are stationed in East Timor.

Sources:

  • Alexander Downer, Australian Foreign Minister.
  • Jamsheed Marker, UN Special Envoy for East Timor.
  • BBC radio interview.
  • Reuters, reports from Dili.
  • Weekend news agency reports from Dili and Lisbon, quoting church and human rights workers and residents.
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas.