MINISTER BURKE COMMENTS ON THE SITUATION IN EAST TIMOR

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ray Burke T.D., has said that he is concerned at the increase in repression affecting the civilian population in East Timor, and has appealed for restraint on the part of the Indonesian authorities there.

Mr. Burke said that the Government was disturbed at the violent incidents which took place in East Timor at the end of May and in June, including clashes between Indonesian forces and Fretelin, in one of which David Alex was wounded and captured along with five of his companions. It appears that retaliation by the military is affecting the civilian population of East Timor

The Minister said that the Government strongly supports the current talks between the Portuguese and Indonesian Foreign Ministers, under the aegis of the UN Secretary General, and the continuation of the Intra-Timorese dialogue

Mr. Burke noted that a further meeting is to take place next month with an open agenda, including military questions, migration and human rightsTop