Text: Albright Statement on Attack on UNHCR Offices in West Timor
(Calls on Indonesian Government to restore order)

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright released a statement from the United Nations in New York September 6 deploring an attack by a militia-led mob on the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Atambua, West Timor.

The attack, which killed at least three UNHCR staff members and injured several others, underlines the urgent need to address the Timor situation, Albright said. "I again call on the Indonesian Government to take immediate action to restore order, ensure the safety and welfare of all refugees and remaining foreign nationals, and bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice without delay."

Following is the text of Albright's statement:

(begin text)

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright

Statement on Indonesia: Attack on UNHCR Offices in West Timor

New York, New York
September 6, 2000

As released by the Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Department of State

On September 6, a mob led by militia elements attacked the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Atambua, West Timor, killing at least three UNHCR staff members, including one U.S. citizen, and injuring several others. I am deeply disturbed by these deaths and injuries, and I deplore this unprovoked attack on unarmed civilians doing humanitarian work. Such violence must not be tolerated. On behalf of the people and Government of the United States I offer our deepest condolences to the United Nations and to the families of the staff members killed. We honor the sacrifice of those who died for the cause of peace.

Yesterday, when I met in New York with President Abdurrahman Wahid, I emphasized the need to disarm and disband the militias operating in West Timor. Indonesian military forces responsible for maintaining order are failing at this most basic duty. This failure has forced the withdrawal of international workers who were in West Timor to provide assistance, including food and other basic necessities, to those in need.

Today's tragic events underline the urgent need to address this situation. I again call on the Indonesian Government to take immediate action to restore order, ensure the safety and welfare of all refugees and remaining foreign nationals, and bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice without delay.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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