30 August 1999
Press Release
SG/SM/7110
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UN WILL BE IN EAST TIMOR ‘TO WORK WITH YOU TO IMPLEMENT WHATEVER CHOICE YOU MAKE TOMMOROW’
19990830
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Says Secretary-General in Appeal to People of East Timor Issued in Dili Yesterday
Following is the appeal by Secretary-General Kofi Annan that was conveyed to the people of East Timor in Dili on Sunday,
29 August:
Tomorrow's popular consultation of the people of East Timor is a unique opportunity to settle a long-running dispute by
peaceful means. I appeal to all sides to live up to their responsibilities before history by respecting the democratic
process. It is essential that the people of East Timor be able to vote in conditions free of intimidation and violence.
I strongly urge that effective steps be taken to control the illegal activities of armed elements, and I emphasize the
obligation of the authorities to maintain law and order.
The United Nations was invited to East Timor to organize tomorrow's ballot as part of the 5 May Agreement. We have
fulfilled our mandate in an impartial and professional manner. UNAMET's staff and observers must be allowed to carry out
their duties without threat or interference from any party. The safety of those East Timorese entrusted with assisting
the popular consultation must be guaranteed by those whose duty it is to provide a secure environment for the ballot.
The international community expects all concerned to accept the outcome of the popular consultation and to continue and
intensify efforts for reconciliation so as to build a peaceful future for East Timor.
I expect the Indonesian Government to honour its undertakings and instruct its security forces to ensure an environment
free of coercion or any other form of intimidation in which the population can decide its destiny without fear and with
confidence of a peaceful future. I give all of you my solemn assurance that the United Nations will be present in East
Timor in the coming months in order to work with you to implement whatever choice you make tomorrow.
ENDS