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United Nations Daily Highlights, 99-09-08United Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The United Nations Home Page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.orgDAILY HIGHLIGHTSWednesday, 8 September, 1999This daily news round-up is prepared by the Central News Section of the Department of Public Information. The latest update is posted at approximately 6:00 PM New York time. Latest Developments HEADLINES
In the face of continued threats by rampaging militia, the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) decided Wednesday to withdraw most or all of its remaining personnel from the territory, a UN spokesman announced in New York today. The decision was taken after a UN convoy, escorted by Indonesian military, went to retrieve supplies from the UN warehouse and was confronted by militia, who pulled a UN driver from one of the vehicles and threatened him. The military advised the UN personnel to return to their compound before they were killed by the militia, said spokesman Fred Eckhard. Arrangements are being made with Indonesia and Australia to relocate UN international staff, as well as UN local staff and their immediate dependents, said Mr. Eckhard. Currently there are 92 international staff staying at UNAMET headquarters in Dili, along with 163 local staff, 23 journalists, nine international observers and two UN medical volunteers. There are also close to 2,000 displaced East Timorese in the compound, which has had its water and power supply cut. Secretary-General Kofi Annan told reporters after a briefing of the Security Council that a final decision has not been made whether the withdrawal will be total, or whether some UN military and police could remain behind. "We are not only concerned about our staff," the Secretary-General said, "but we are also concerned about the East Timorese, particularly the 2,000 internally displaced persons in our compound. That is why I'm taking measures to try and see if we can thin out rather than withdraw completely so that we can maintain our premises, on the understanding that the military around the building will continue to provide protection." Meanwhile in Jakarta, the Security Council mission held a two-hour meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas on the crisis in East Timor and met with opposition leader Megawati. The mission is expected to meet tomorrow with Indonesian President B.J. Habibie and with East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao. They may meet with General Wiranto on Friday. For information purposes only - - not an official record From the United Nations home page at <http://www.un.org> - email: unnews@un.orgUnited Nations Daily Highlights Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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