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East Timor's Independence

East Timor in Transition: From Conflict Prevention to State-Building (May 2001)
IPA report by Simon Chesterman analyzes "state building" and UN transitional administrations from West Papua to present. The report looks in detail at East Timor's vote for independence and the ensuing issues in creating a new East Timor.

UN Discusses E. Timor Peacekeeping (July 30, 2001)
The United Nations may begin to cut its 8,000-member peacekeeping force in East Timor even before the former Indonesian province becomes independent next year. However, the UN admits that a substantial international presence will be necessary after independence because of threats from pro-Indonesian militias. (Associated Press)

East Timor: Justice At Risk (July 26, 2001)
Amnesty International warns against reducing the UN presence in East Timor, arguing that a skeleton force will be unable to protect human rights or ensure substantial support for fledgling institutions.

Emerging From the Ruins, East Timor Prepares For Its First Free Election (July 10, 2001)
East Timor is gearing up for its first democratic election, but many obstacles remain. Despite signing a landmark deal that secures 90% of oil revenues from the Timor Sea, the tiny nation will be dependent on foreign aid for many years. (Associated Press)

Australia Bows to East Timor Over Oil and Gas Rights (July 5, 2001)
East Timor has reached an agreement with Australia on oil and gas rights in the Timor Sea. The deal represents a huge boost for the impoverished former Indonesian province as it prepares for its first post-independence elections next month. (Independent)

Urging East Timor to Buy the Dollar (May 30, 2001)
UNTAET tries to dollarize the Timorese economy, to boost the coffee trade and alleviate the devastated economy. (International Herald Tribune)

East Timorese Anti- and Pro-Independence Leaders Hold Landmark Talks (May 24, 2001)
For the first time, East Timor's pro and anti-independence leaders got together to work on the reconciliation process. ''Expectations are high that this will lead to long lasting reconciliation,'' said East Timorese Nobel Peace Prize Jose Ramos Horta. (Associated Press)

Poll Reveals Public Ignorance About East Timor Election (May 23, 2001)
Only 5 per cent of East Timorese understand the purpose of the election to be held on August 30, reveals a survey. UNTAET and NGOs will have an enormous educational workload to fill the knowledge gap by then. (Sydney Morning Herald Tribune)

UN-Australia Deal Is Near on Timor Oil and Gas (May 21, 2001)
Australia and the UNTAET are struggling to find a new agreement on revenue-sharing rules covering the rich oil and gas area in the Timor Sea. This zone was jointly managed by Australia and Indonesia while ruling East Timor. (International Herald Tribune)

Annan Cautions about Early Pullout From East Timor (May 7, 2001)
The Secretary General urges the Security Council to be prudent with the mission in East Timor. Peacekeepers will stay for the August 30 elections and beyond. (Reuters)

Massacres Go Unpunished As UN Crimes Unit Heads For Collapse (May 1, 2001)
After UNTAET criticized the Dunn report, investigators from the UN Serious Crimes Unit are resigning their mandate. "They are holding reconciliation negotiations with militia leaders we want to arrest," said an investigator, accusing the UN to be on the other side. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Timor Militia Leader Jailed (April 30, 2001)
The North Jakarta District Court sentenced the militia leader, Eurico Guterres, for six months for his responsibility in the East Timor violence. Human Rights organizations may react against this short verdict. (BBC)

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back (April 25, 2001)
Amnesty International after having applauded the Indonesian decision to create a human rights court, deplores Jakarta for limiting the jurisdiction of the ad-hoc court to post-ballot cases.

Indonesia Sets Up Timor War Crimes Court (April 24, 2001)
In response to East Timor's spiritual leader, Bishop Carlos Belo's demand to set up a tribunal, President Wahid of Indonesia signed a decree establishing a special court to prosecute war crimes committed in 1999. (CNN)

UN Distances Itself From East Timor War Crimes Report (April 20, 2001)
UN chief prosecutor Mohamed Othman criticizes Dunn's report, saying it lacks of "hard and original" evidence. (Associated Press)

Conspiracy by Generals Led to Timor Killings (April 12, 2001)
The special UN-appointed investigator, James Dunn, issued a report naming several Indonesian high-ranking generals involved in the violence in East Timor in 1999. This may put the pressure on the UN to set up a war crimes tribunal in East Timor. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Timor Trials Seen Compromised (April 11, 2001)
The criminals allegedly responsible for the violence of 1999 might escape trial for crimes against humanity because the Indonesian justice is not cooperating as much as it should. (Washington Post)

East Timor Elects Freedom Fighter (April 9, 2001)
After Gusmao's resignation and Ramos Horta's refusal to take his seat, Manuel Carrascalao has been elected as the head of the National Council until June, when it will be dissolved for the August elections. (Associated Press)

Council Blocks Ramos Horta Bid (April 2, 2001)
One week after Xanana Gusmao quit the National Council, UNTAET elected Jose Ramos Horta to replace the independence leader. But members of the Council want more time to choose a new candidate.(Reuters)

Gusmao's Resignation from East Timor Council Final (March 29, 2001)
East Timor's independence leader Jose "Xanana" Gusmao said he will not stand for president. He resigned after a heated debate in the council over the drafting of the constitution. (Agence France Presse)

East Timor Votes Against Consultative Process Leading to Constitution (March 27, 2001)
The National Council of East Timor rejected a mechanism allowing the people to participate in the drafting of the first Timorese constitution, UNTAET reports.(UN News)

Date Set for East Timor Free Elections (March 16, 2001)
The first free elections will take place on August 30, exactly two years after the people of East Timor chose independence in 1999. They will elect an assembly charged with adopting a constitution. (Associated Press)

Modest Beginnings for East Timor's Justice System (March 4, 2001)
Even though East Timor is building its judicial system, the UN is preparing a parallel "Truth and Reconciliation" program to compensate for the lack of Timorese expertise and resources. (New York Times)

UN Credibility at Risk over War Crimes, Says Horta (February 14, 2001)
East Timor might press for an UN war crimes tribunal if Indonesia fails to prosecute those who perpetrated violence in 1999. The Security Council's credibility could be undermined by not backing this proposal. (Sydney Morning Herald)

East Timorese to Begin Preparations for First General Election (February 6, 2001)
The Timorese National Council will meet mid-February to confirm the date of August 30, 2001 for the elections-to-be and to define all the formalities. But take for granted that all Timorese and Timor residents will be allowed to vote. (Japan Economic Newswire)

East Timor Makes Army of Ex-Guerrillas (February 1, 2001)
East Timor guerrillas are becoming the new East Timor Defense Force, which will be armed and trained by international donors, and is to be operational in time for East Timorese independence. (Associated Press)

Militiaman Sentenced in East Timor (January 25, 2001)
For the first time, an international panel of judges in the Dili District Court convicts a pro-Indonesian militiaman. He is sentenced to 12 years in prison for the killing a pro-independence activist. (Associated Press)

First Court Hearings into East Timor Ballot Violence Begin (January 10, 2001)
The Special Panel for Serious Crimes in East Timor commenced preliminary hearings for atrocities committed during 1999. (Agence France Presse)

East Timor: Trudging Along the Road to Full Independence (December 21, 2000)
East Timor is set to achieve full independence by the end of 2001 after an election of a Constituent Assembly to draft its constitution. But it is remains threatened by its inability to bring about peace and reconciliation between its main warring factions. (Associated Press)

Human Rights Abusers to be Tried in Indonesia (December 14, 2000)
The Indonesian government says that those accused of violating human rights in East Timor will not be extradited, but instead tried in Indonesia, and that UNTAET "will not be involved in the legal process." (Xinhua)

Observer: UNTAET's Request to Try Officers Politically Motivated (December 13, 2000)
An Indonesian political affairs observer defends the Indonesian military's objection to the extradition of suspects to East Timor, and accuses UNTAET of being a "puppet of Australia and the US." (Antara)

UN Takes a Small Step Toward Justice in East Timor (December 13, 2000)
A UN prosecutor in East Timor has indicted 11 people for crimes against humanity. Their trials will be in domestic courts, since support for an international tribunal for East Timor no longer exists in the Security Council. (Christian Science Monitor)

Timor Cabinet Members Renege Threat (December 12, 2000)
Reassured by a meeting with UNTAET's chief administrator, four East Timorese cabinet members say they will not resign. But the UNTAET chief acknowledges that some UN staff "may not have accepted the fact that they are subordinate to East Timorese Cabinet members." (Associated Press)

East Timor Leaders Threaten Mass Resignation (December 5, 2000)
The four non-UN members of East Timor's Transitional Cabinet threaten to quit, saying they have "no power, no duties, no resources to function adequately". They want the UN to clarify the Cabinet's legal status and relationship to UNTAET. (Sydney Morning Herald)

UN Sees Itself in East Timor Well After Independence Next Year (November 28, 2000)
UNTAET says that while the transition of power to an elected government is likely to occur in 2001, UN peacekeepers will have to stay until an East Timor defense force is at full strength, probably in 2003. (Agence France Presse)

Enter the Peacekeepers

TNI Regrets UN Rebuff on Border Accord (April 12, 2000)
Udayana Military Commander Major Gen. Kiki Syahnakri expressed disappointment over the UNs' refusal to accept Indonesia's proposal for a border agreement. (Nando Times)

Praise from UN Chief Boosts Kiwi Government (February 24, 2000)
On an official visit, Kofi Annan praises New Zealand for its contribution to the East Timor mission and disarmament. (New Zealand News from The Press)

INTERFET Security Force Officially Replaced by UN (February 23, 2000)
The International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) has successfully concluded its mission and now hands over the baton to the UN. (UN Newservice)

Annan Comments on Indonesian Justice and UN Reform (February 22, 2000)
The Secretary General of the UN has enough trust in the Indonesian justice system to acknowledge its jurisdiction over trying those responsible for the East Timor atrocities; he wants the peacekeeping mission completed successfully rather than broken off in the middle of the work. (UN Wire)

Multinational Group Leaves East Timor (February 22, 2000)
The Nando Times reports on the conclusion of a successful INTERFET operation in which no further loss of life was witnessed. The 19-nation force leaves completion of the peacekeeping project to UN administrators.

UN Eyes Human Rights Probes in East Timor (February 15, 2000)
An editorial from the Christian Science Monitor discusses Kofi Annan's visit to Indonesia where he brings a message that "the UN Security Council and others are watching to see if the new government can bring legal accountability to a military that in the past put the rule of guns above the rule of law."

Annan's Visit Awaited by Indonesian Protesters (February 15, 2000)
As investigators question Indonesia's commitment to human rights, the Secretary General is greeted with protests. (Associated Press)

East Timor Gang Member Arrested (February 9, 2000)
An Indonesian militia leader is suspected of involvement in atrocities as well as looting and attacks against Australian troops. (Reuters)

Top Indonesian Generals Implicated in East Timor Atrocities (January 31, 2000)
An Indonesian human rights panel accuses top military and police commanders including General Wiranto of "crimes against humanity" in East Timor. President Wahid had earlier announced that he would fire General Wiranto from the cabinet if he were named in the human rights report. (New York Times)

Indonesia Rejects International Probe Into Last Year's Violence (January 31, 2000)
A conflict arises as bodies set up by Indonesia and the UN compete for the ability to try those accused of inciting the violence. (Inter Press Service)

Massacre Victims Exhumed From Mass Graves in East Timor (January 12, 2000)
The Indonesian governments lack of initiative, and recent discoveries of mass graves, prompt a discussion over whether or not the Security Council should establish an international war crimes tribunal for East Timor. (Nando Media)

The Shocking Truth That Must be Told (November 16, 1999)
A commentary of James Dunn, a former Australian consul in East Timor, writing the progress in investigating alleged atrocities has been disappointingly slow. (Sydney Morning Herald)

UN Nod for Force of 11,000 for East Timor (October 26, 1999)
A Singapore Straits Times article about the UN Security Council's approval for the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor to restore order. "The new operation will comprise up to 8 950 troops, 200 military observers, 1 640 police officers and a large and an unspecified number of civilian officials."

US Arms Transfers to Indonesia 1975-1997: Who's Influencing Whom?
A World Policy Institute, Arms Trade Resource Center report by William D. Hartung that looks at the long standing US government policy of providing weapons and military training to Indonesia.

Indonesia Set to Let East Timor Go (October 18, 1999)
A BBC News article about international community's working in the talks on how to manage the transfer of power in East Timor.

Peacekeepers Dispute With Jakarta on Clash (October 12, 1999)
Indonesian government and Australian peacekeepers respond to fire fight on East Timor border. (International Herald Tribune)

Kofi Annan Proposes Bigger Mission (October 5, 1999)
The UN indicates it may boost its East Timor role as the Secretary General proposes a 3-year stay and 'robust' rules of engagement.(ABC News)

Weapons Cache Recovered in East Timor Raid, UN Talks Begin (September 28, 1999)
Independence leaders Xanana Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta to meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. (CNN)

Timor Failure Puts UN on the Spot (September 27, 1999)
"The failure of the UN to prevent bloodshed in East Timor is re igniting a debate about whether the world body is equipped to deal with urgent humanitarian cerises, particularly inside the borders of sovereign states." (Washington Post)

Peacekeeping Troops Arrive in East Timor (September 20, 1999)
Los Angeles Times article about the Australian-led international peacekeeping force arriving in East Timor.

US Arms - and US Responsibility - in East Timor (September 1999)
William D. Hartung, of the World Policy Institute, argues that the US bears much of the responsibility for the violent conflict in East Timor because the US sold arms to the Indonesian military and also trained pro-Jakarta counterinsurgency troops now committing violent acts in East Timor.

UN Authorizes Force to Protect East Timor Independence (September 15, 1999)
The UN Security Council agreed to send an international military force into East Timor to restore order after nearly two weeks of violence. (Nando Media)

Security Council Resolution on East Timor (September 15, 1999)
In an unusually short period of time the Security Council has been able to pass a resolution for deployment of a multinational force to go into East Timor, hopefully by September 18, 1999.>

So We Just Send In an International Force, Time After Time;
Armed Intervention Is the Only Answer for East Timor (September 13, 1999)
Two editorials from International Herald Tribune about the issue of East Timor, one of which is written by José Ramos-Horta, vice president of the National Council of the Timorese Resistance.

Comments On the Occasion of the Forthcoming APEC Summit (September 10, 1999)
Noam Chomsky discusses the crisis in East Timor and calls for the situation to be addressed at the APEC conference. From the Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research web site.

Moving Gently on East Timor (September 1999)
Mokhiber and Weissman assess how US economic interests are dominating US foreign policy motivations with regard to East Timor.

The Tragedy of East Timor (September 1999)
An editorial from The Economist calls for ASEAN and the Security Council to address the situation in East Timor.

Interview with British Ambassador, Sir Jeremy Greenstock (September 8, 1999)
BBC Radio interview with Ambassador Greenstock about relations with the Indonesian government and the situation in East Timor.

In Humanitarian Nonintervention in East Timor (September 8, 1999)
Edward Herman analyzes the international community's inaction in East Timor in contrast to NATO's actions in Kosovo. (ZNet/Z Magazine)

Why Americans Should Care About East Timor (1999)
Noam Chomsky traces US involvement in East Timor. Links to Mojo Wire's (Mother Jones) extensive coverage of the East Timor situation.

UN Says 200,000 Driven From Homes; Who Is Behind the Carnage in East Timor And Why?
East Timor Under Siege (September 1, 1999)
Two New York Times articles and an editorial addressing the situation in East Timor.

Militias Besiege UN in East Timor (September 1, 1999)
Associated Press describes the violence near the UN compound. Reports that the UN compound itself did not appear to be the target of the rampage.

Documents on the UN Ballot (August 31, 2000)
78.5% East Timorese rejected "special autonomy" with Indonesia and opted for independence.

Aid Funds 'Used to Finance Militias' (February 17, 2000)
The World Bank and "all Indonesian government departments", according to Australian sources, provided funds to the pro-Jakarta militias responsible for most of the killing. (South China Morning Post)

Timor Vote Points To Independence (August 31, 1999)
A Washington Post article about the voting atmosphere in East Timor and concerns surrounding a possible sign of a policy swing of the Indonesian government.

The Self-Righteous West Is Exacerbating Timor's Crisis (August 30, 1999)
"If the issue here is Timorese identity, why not a chance for independence for all of Timor? ...That is not an issue that the United Nations can address. But if not, where is the morality of self-determination?" (International Herald Tribune)

With More Broken Promises of Peace, East Timor Votes (August 30, 1999)
"Under an agreement reached among Indonesia, Portugal and the United Nations, Annan will be the final arbiter of the election outcome, factoring into his assessment any intimidation that may have affected the turnout and the vote." (New York Times)

Violence Grips East Timor Capital as Foes of Independence Run Amok (August 27, 1999)
"Opponents of independence for East Timor ran wild in the streets of this tiny provincial capital, firing guns, throwing rocks and setting fire to at least two buildings." (New York Times)

Rivals Plan for War/Peace; Ready to Embrace/Resist Independence (August 25, 1999)
"In the westernmost towns of East Timor, armed militias are preparing for war if that is the only way to block this territory's separation from Indonesia." (Washington Post)

5,000 Australian Troops on Standby to Join Peacekeepers (August 25, 1999)
"Australia now has more than 5,000 combat-ready troops to draw on if the United Nations decides to set up an armed peacekeeping force in East Timor." (Sydney Morning Herald)

Australia and America Do Well to Plan East Timor Options (August 24, 1999)
"A joint US-Australian force ought to be ready to intervene if violence smothers East Timorese independence." (International Herald Tribune)

A Day of Reckoning in East Timor (August 24, 1999)
A New York Times Op-Ed article by Carlos Ximenes Belo, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dili, East Timor, who received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1996.

US Marines Set for Dili (August 10, 1999)
The Melbourne Age reports that the US has agreed to send troops to East Timor if extreme violence breaks out.

UN Ends East Timor Registration (August 6, 1999)
New York Times article on the UN's completion of voter registration for East Timor's independence referendum, signing up far more voters than expected despite sporadic violence in the Indonesian province.

Voter Registration Extended (August 4, 1999)
Reuters/South China Press article on the Secretary General's extension of voter registration in East Timor by two days to allow internally displaced citizens to vote.

Timor Vote Delayed Again (July 28, 1999)
Secretary General Kofi Annan decided to postpone the date of the East Timor referendum for a second time due to security concerns and a delay in registration. The ballot is now scheduled for August 30. (BBC Online)

UN Is Biased, Jakarta Says (July 28, 1999)
The International Herald Tribune writes that Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas criticized the UN for favoring East Timorese independence from Indonesia. Mr Alatas' criticism comes at a time when the UN is considering a second delay of the East Timor ballot due to security concerns.

Voter Registration Begins in East Timor for UN Ballot (July 16, 1999)
According to this Associated Press / Boston Globe article, UN personnel began registering voters for the August 21 or 22 ballot. Despite an overall orderly start of the registration process, renewed violence by anti-independence militia groups leave doubts about the success of the referendum.

UN Allows Voter Registration in East Timor (July 16, 1999)
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has announced that the UN will go ahead with voter registration for the referendum. However, he left open the possibility of canceling or again postponing the ballot if security should prove inadequate. (International Herald Tribune / Agence France-Presse)

East Timor Safe for Vote, Indonesian Officials Say (July 13, 1999)
Twelve Indonesian cabinet ministers have visited East Timor and expressed confidence that the UN ballot scheduled for August 21 or 22 will take place in a secure environment. (Washington Post)

East Timor Vote Faces Another Hold-Up (July 8, 1999)
The UN has warned that a second postponement of the East Timor ballot is likely if Indonesia does not succeed in stopping militia-driven violence in the province. (Canberra Times)

Pro independence Faction Set to Share Power (July 3, 1999)
The East Timor pro independence faction pledged to share power with its pro-Jakarta rival if it won the United Nations- sanctioned self-determination vote in August. (Jakarta Post)

East Timor Militiamen Attack UN Again (July 1, 1999)
UN staff were again attacked by anti-independence militiamen in East Timor, raising doubts whether Indonesia is committed to provide adequate security for UN workers. (Washington Post)

UN Personnel Attacked in Timor (June 29, 1999)
Several people, including a South African UN official and as many as nine East Timorese, were injured when a rock-throwing mob raided a UN offices southwest of Dili. The incidence illustrates the tense and insecure atmosphere in the province. (Associated Press / Boston Globe)

UN Puts Jakarta on Notice Over Militia (June 23, 1999)
Singapore Press article on UN efforts to aid pro-independence supporters of East Timor by prohibiting voting on the issue until militia efforts against independence cease, analysts doubt whether the vote will occur.

Indonesia Angry at Timor Poll Delay (June 23, 1999)
The Indonesian government protested the UN's unilateral decision to postpone the ballot in East Timor, but accepted the new date. However, the government said it would not recognize a referendum held after August 21. (BBC Online)

UN Delays Timor Referendum (June 23, 1999)
Secretary General Kofi Annan announced the UN's decision to postpone the ballot in East Timor to August 21, citing the lack of security in the territory. (BBC Online)

Indonesia Rejects Amnesty Accusations (June 22, 1999)
The Indonesian government said it adheres to the UN agreement and is working hard to guarantee a peaceful and fair ballot in East Timor, rejecting accusations by Amnesty International that it is involved in human rights abuses in the territory. (BBC Online)

Full Text of Amnesty International Report on East Timor (June 21, 1999)
In its report on the situation in East Timor preceding the ballot, Amnesty International gives a detailed account of human rights abuses in the province and provides recommendations for all parties involved, including the UN.

Amnesty International: High Level of Human Rights Abuses Threaten Ballot (June 21, 1999)
Link to Amnesty International news release expressing alert about the atmosphere of violence and intimidation in East Timor.

UN Is Expected to Delay Vote in Timor for Weeks (June 21, 1999)
Article from the International Herald Tribune discussing some of the difficulties the UN faces in East Timor as the deadline for the ballot approaches and time is running out.

Will the United Nations Make Another Blunder? (June 16, 1999)
In this Jakarta Post opinion piece, the author takes a skeptical stance on the upcoming UN referendum in East Timor, criticizing the organization's past record in Southeast Asia and accusing Western oil giants of exploiting the conflict for profit.

Dozens Killed as Gangs Roam Timor Saying: 'Vote for Jakarta or You Die' (June 16, 1999)
London Independent article describing the atmosphere of intimidation caused by pro-Jakarta militia in East Timor. Due to the ongoing threats and acts of violence it is an "open secret" among journalists and UN personnel that "the August poll is in grave doubt."

Jakarta Raids Aid Cash to Buy East Timor Votes (June 15, 1999)
According to this Sydney Morning Herald article, the Indonesian government is planning to channel more than $7 million to pro-autonomy propagandists and militia groups in East Timor, thus threatening to break its agreement with the UN. The money in question was originally allocated for fighting poverty in Indonesia and includes foreign contributions.

Voter Safety Worries UN as East Timor Eyes Freedom (June 15, 1999)
New York Times article regarding UN monitoring in East Timor which is working with local law enforcement to quell violence as they near the August 8th referendum on independence.

Security Council Establishes Mission in East Timor (June 11, 1999)
UN Press Release on the Security Council's unanimous decision to establish the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) and authorize the deployment of civilian police and military liaison officers.

Head of UN Team Begins to Prepare for East Timor Vote (June 1, 1999)
A convoy of 600 civilian UN personnel and 280 foreign police advisers are to oversee East Timor's vote for independence or autonomy on August 8.

East Timor Tense After Killings, UN Call (May 18, 1999)
UN called on Indonesia to stem the violence in East Timor ahead of the UN-run independence vote on August 8. Pro-Jakarta militias say they will fight to the death rather than accept independence.

Robinson Names Personal Envoy to East Timor (May 12, 1999)
Irish Times article on the situation in East Timor and the role of the UN.

Violence in Dili Underlines UN Dilemmas in East Timor (May 11, 1999)
The arrival of foreign police advisors who are suppose to supervise the ballot in August was delayed by the violence.

Press Briefing on East Timor (May 10, 1999)
Press briefing on the situation in East Timor, including UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's statement that will be monitoring the security situation in East Timor. If violence continues or escalates, Annan could postpone or call off the referendum.

Pact Paves Way For a Free Timor: Indonesians, Dutch Sign Accord on Vote (May 6, 1999)
Boston Globe article providing information on the peace agreement paving the way for East Timor's independence after 16 years of UN-brokered talks.

East Timor Details of the UN Agreement (May 6, 1999)
Associated Press article providing information on the UN autonomy agreement.

In East Timor, Terror Inhabits Even the Hospitals (May 6, 1999)
New York Times article commenting on the atrocious crimes being committed in East Timor.

Why World Should Reject NATO Strikes? (May 4, 1999)
A profound and very insightful analysis of US foreign policy, exemplified by the Kosovo war, the situation in East Timor and other conflicts all over the world. Steven Gan states that "they like war and Governments who keep buying guns from them".

Move for Foreign Police in East Timor as Vote Date Set (April 27, 1999)
The UN to send police to act as advisors.

Timor Distrust Frustrates UN (April 30, 1999)
The Australian article desires the problems the UN is facing while trying to install a UN observer force in East Timor and provides background information on this force.

Habibie's Signal to Army (April 21, 1999)
Indonesia's President promises to ensure the East Timorese people's self-determination in spite of opposition from the army.

Timor Militia Killings Raise Doubts on Future (April 19, 1999)
Plebiscite seen as in jeopardy after rampage.

Timorese Leader Orders End to Attacks on Indonesian Targets (April 16, 1999)
Bid to try to restore peace to the territory.

Militiamen Backed by Indonesia Kill 25 in East Timor, Cleric Says (April 8, 1999)
Indonesian Bishop Carlos Belo condemned the violence and demanded President Habibie investigate the case.

New Violence May Jeopardize East Timor Vote (April 7, 1999)
With the long-awaited vote coming up, violence is again threatening to shake East Timor. Some are questioning who is behind the violence.

UN Sees Active Australian Role in East Timor (March 14, 1999)
With the prospect of an independent East Timorese ballot on the horizon, the United Nations is looking to Australia to assist both militarily and politically.

Indonesia Says It's Not Back pedaling on East Timor Independence Issue (March 10, 1999)
Indonesian government says that it is not backing off on an offer of wide-ranging autonomy or independence for East Timor. Indonesian officials wants the question settled by August.

Red Cross Warns of Timor Bloodbath (February 18, 1999)
Concern over possible internal conflict in East Timor as the independence process continues.

Article from the Lisbon paper Publico (February 10, 1999)
"UN To Study Methods of Consultation" (in Portuguese).

Link to the Indonesian Observer
To balance the coverage of the Portuguese paper, here are articles from Indonesia. Indonesia insists there not be a referendum in the territory on an autonomy package while it is under Jakarta's control.

Link to the UN Press Release on East Timor (February 9, 1999)
After two days of intensive talks concluding on February 8th, there is discussion of the possible need for UN presence in East Timor to monitor the holding of a referendum, and even UN troops if Indonesia's fears of a civil conflict erupts.

East Timor Independence Deal Closer (February 9, 1999)
Report on the last day of talks, which are looking positive. Indonesia and Portugal agree "in principle" on autonomy for east Timor.

Separatists Rally in East Timor (February 3, 1999)
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has invited Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama and Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas for a new round of talks in New York on Sunday and Monday.

East Timor Talks Continue (February 3, 1999)
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has invited Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama and Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas for a new round of talks in New York.

East Timorese Rebels Welcome Offer (January 31, 1999)
Portugal's ambassador to the United Nations, Fernando Neves, insists that the East Timorese should be allowed to vote over their future.

UN Awaits Full East Timor Story (January 29, 1999)
UN negotiations with Indonesia and Portugal regarding East Timor resume today.