Minister Andrews with President Habibie and Xanana Gusmao
The Minister for Foreign Affair, David Andrews, TD, met today in Indonesia for one hour with President Habibie. They had a comprehensive discussion on the consultative process in East Timor on Monday. The Minister expressed his concern about the situation in the next few days and weeks. He urged President Habibie to take effective action to protect the staff of UNAMET and other international observers and to ensure that the Timorese people were protected from the actions of armed militias.
The Minister also met today with Xanana Gusmao, the Timorese resistance leader, and briefed him on his experience in East Timor over the past week. He assured Mr. Gusmao that he would do all in his power as Irish Foreign Minister and Personal Representative of the EU Presidency to ensure the safety of the people of East Timor in the weeks and months ahead.
Minister Andrews will meet with his European Union colleagues in Finland this weekend when he will brief them on his visit to Indonesia.
