SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY EAST TIMOR VIOLENCE, URGES RESTRAINT, TOLERANCE AND PEACEFUL DISCOURSE
Press Release
SG/SM/6620
SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY EAST TIMOR VIOLENCE, URGES RESTRAINT, TOLERANCE AND PEACEFUL DISCOURSE
19980630 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:The Secretary-General is concerned by recent violent incidents in East Timor which have resulted in the death of innocent civilians. While he welcomes the atmosphere of greater openness that has created wider possibilities for a discussion of the future of East Timor, he urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that such discourse is carried out in a peaceful manner, with full respect for basic human rights and tolerance for differing views.
The Secretary-General calls on the Indonesian authorities, as well as the political, religious and community leaders in East Timor, to exercise their responsibility and influence in easing tensions and encouraging peaceful and orderly conduct as people exercise their right to free expression.
The Secretary-General remains closely engaged, personally and through his Personal Representative for East Timor, Ambassador Jamsheed Marker, in intensified efforts to find a comprehensive, negotiated settlement of the question of East Timor.
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