22 January 2001 -- The Government of Indonesia has assured the President of the United Nations General Assembly of its willingness to facilitate refugee returns from West Timor, expressing hope that the UN - particularly its refugee agency - could soon return to the area, a UN spokesperson told the press today in New York.
Briefing reporters at UN Headquarters, spokesperson Sue Markham said the President of the General Assembly, Harri Holkeri of Finland, had made a week-long visit to southeast Asia from 10 to17 January, visiting Singapore, East Timor and Indonesia, at the invitation of the Singaporean and Indonesian governments and the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).
A central theme of the President's discussions in Jakarta was the situation in both East and West Timor, in particular the question of disarming the militias in West Timor, ensuring safety and security in the refugee camps and for humanitarian workers, preventing cross-border incursions into East Timor, bringing to justice those responsible for the attacks on international personnel, as well as the eventual safe return of refugees who choose to go back to East Timor, Ms. Markham said.
The Indonesian hosts assured the President of their "cooperation and determination" to facilitate refugee returns.
In Dili, East Timor, Mr. Holkeri was briefed extensively about the activities of UNTAET by the head of Mission, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and other officials. He also met with local political leaders, including Xanana Gusmao, President of the National Council for Timorese Resistance (CNRT), and the heads of UN agencies in East Timor, as well as with representatives of the local diplomatic community.
In addition to his programme in Dili, the President paid a half-day visit to Suai in the southwestern part of East Timor, where he was given a briefing on UNTAET's activities in the area.
In Singapore, Mr. Holkeri met with the Foreign Minister of Singapore, Professor S. Jayakumar, as well as with Dr. Ow Chin Hock, Minister of State at the Foreign Ministry.
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