Text: Clinton September 10 Statement on East Timor
(Indonesian military must "reverse course" says Clinton)Indonesia's military has been aiding and abetting the militia violence in East Timor and it "must reverse course," President Clinton said in a September 10 statement.
"The Indonesian government and military must reverse this course," Clinton stressed. He urged the Indonesia military and government to "do everything possible to stop the violence, and allow an international force to make possible the restoration of security."
Clinton addressed the East Timor crisis while at a stop-over at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. Clinton then continued his journey to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Auckland, New Zealand.
"I am alarmed by reports I have just received of attacks on the United Nations compound in Dili (East Timor)," Clinton said.
Following is the official text of the President's statement:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii)September 10, 1999
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Let me address the deteriorating situation in East Timor. I am alarmed by reports I have just received of attacks on the United Nations compound in Dili.
It is now clear that the Indonesian military is aiding and abetting the militia violence. This is simply unacceptable. The actions of the Indonesian military in East Timor stand in stark contrast to the commitments they have given to the international community.
The Indonesian government and military must reverse this course, to do everything possible to stop the violence, and allow an international force to make possible the restoration of security.
(end text)
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