The South African Government is alarmed about reports of an escalation of violence in East Timor and has noted the call by the UN Secretary-General on the Indonesian Government to restore order.
The South African Government urges supporters of all sides in East Timor to reject violence and to refrain from provocative actions and inflammatory statements. It is imperative that maximum restraint be exercised by all in the lead-up to the referendum scheduled for 30 August 1999.
The Indonesian Government has the responsibility to maintain peace and protect the civilian population in East Timor. The South African government urges the Indonesian Government to do all within its power to ensure a security climate conducive to the holding of a free and fair referendum.
The South African government calls on all parties to ensure that the referendum continues as scheduled for Monday, 30 August 1999 and that no actions are undertaken which will detract from the considerable progress which has been made in recent weeks to assist the people of East Timor in determining their own future.
South Africa will continue to support all endeavours and actions of the United Nations to bring about a peaceful and lasting resolution of the East Timor problem.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
27 AUGUST 1999