May 18, 1999
Dili, East Timor - East Timor's capital Dili was tense Tuesday, a day after the United Nations accused pro-Jakarta militiamen of killing five civilians and called for the Indonesian government to rein in the militias. Residents said shooting was heard during the night, but could not give further details. "Dili is quiet but somewhat tense today. We heard shooting again last night, but we don't know where or what happened,'' said one resident. Police and military officers said the capital of 120,000 people was calm and safe, but declined to comment further.
The United Nations said Monday that five civilians were slaughtered by pro-Jakarta militiamen the day before in "a brutal attack'' as villagers prepared for a church service in Atara village, 100 km (60 miles) south of Dili. In its first official statement from East Timor, the United Nations urgently called on the Indonesian government to honor its pledge to stem the violence in East Timor ahead of the U.N.-run independence vote on August 8.
United Nations personnel have begun arriving in the territory to monitory security and prepare for the ballot. Pro-Jakarta militias say they will fight to the death rather than accept independence. Most analysts and diplomats believe East Timorese would overwhelmingly choose independence if allowed a free vote. Tension in East Timor has increased since Indonesia said in January it would grant independence if the East Timorese rejected a proposal on autonomy.
Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed the former Portuguese colony the following year in a move not recognized by the United Nations.
