United Nations Postpones East Timor's Independence Ballot

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations, led by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, has decided to postpone the ballot for East Timor's future, which was originally scheduled for August 8. The decision was made due to concerns over the security situation and logistical problems, as the U.N. aims to ensure a violence-free election. The new date for the ballot is still uncertain, but it is expected to take place in August.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.N. ballot for East Timor's future has been postponed due to security concerns and logistical issues.
  • The original date for the ballot was August 8, but it has been delayed to an undetermined date in August.
  • Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated that a brief delay would be beneficial to ensure a free and secure ballot.
  • The U.N. Mission in East Timor, comprising military and civil police personnel, was established on June 11 to ensure a violence-free election.
  • East Timor has an area of approximately 19,000 square kilometers and had been a Portuguese colony until 1975.
  • Indonesia and Portugal agreed on May 5 that a U.N. ballot be organized to determine whether the majority of East Timorese citizens would choose special autonomy within Indonesia or independence.
  • The ballot will be conducted by the U.N. to determine the future of East Timor.

Statistics:

  • 19,000 square kilometers: area of East Timor
  • 800,000: estimated population of East Timorese citizens
  • August 8: original date for the ballot (postponed)
  • June 11: date the U.N. Security Council decided to set up a U.N. Mission in East Timor
  • May 5: date Indonesia and Portugal agreed on the U.N. ballot

Sources:

  • Transcript issued in the U.N. headquarters, dated June 22
  • XINHUA news service
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)