Text: Visit to Indonesia of Assistant Secretary Julia V. Taft
(Taft will observe refugee conditions and relief efforts)Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julia Taft is visiting Indonesia to consult with United Nations and Indonesian government officials and to observe refugee conditions and relief efforts.
Following is the text of the State Department announcement:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
September 17, 1999STATEMENT BY JAMES B. FOLEY, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN
Visit to Indonesia of Assistant Secretary Julia V. Taft
The international humanitarian community is increasingly concerned about the safety and sustenance of displaced persons and refugees in West and East Timor and stands ready to provide necessary resources for humanitarian agencies to help meet the need. The United States is pleased that the Government of Indonesia has facilitated access by diplomats from Canada, the EU and Norway to West Timor this week.
To reinforce our commitment, senior humanitarian authorities from several countries will travel to Indonesia this weekend for consultations with United Nations and Indonesian government officials and to observe refugee conditions and relief efforts. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julia V. Taft will participate for the United States, along with representatives from several other countries, including Japan, Thailand, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This international group will work to focus attention on the important humanitarian needs resulting from the current situation in East Timor.
(end text)
Return to U.S. Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Indonesia and East Timor.Return to IIP Home Page.