Twenty-seven humanitarian workers were evacuated today from Atambua and Betun to East Timor, and 73 were evacuated from Kupang to Denpasar. The United Nations humanitarian operation in West Timor has effectively terminated.
As of today, there are still 24 humanitarian aid workers – UNHCR staff and Indonesian NGO nationals – on the Indonesian side of the island, awaiting imminent evacuation under safe conditions.
The evacuations today brought the total number of United Nations agencies’ and NGOs’ personnel evacuated from Atambua and Betun to 139 since 6 September. Out of the 139, 120 are Indonesians and the others are from 12 other nations.
From Kupang, a total of 257 people were evacuated from United Nations agencies and NGOs, mostly Indonesian nationals. The group includes the five staff members of UNTAET’s liaison office in Kupang.
Today, Bernard Kerblat, UNHCR Chief of Operations, said that UNHCR will not resume its operation before three steps are taken: the arrest of those responsible for the murders, the display of tangible signs regarding security and the separation of militia from civilian refugees in the camps.
Today, UNHCR held a private ceremony in honor of the three staff members killed by militia in West Timor, attended by a small group of around 50 people, including François Fouinat, director of UNHCR for Asia, and Mário Carrascalão, CNRT Vice President.
UNHCR staff gave testimonies about their three colleagues. A public memorial will be held next week.
In Betun, where many refugee camps are located, the situation was very tense today and there were several reports of militia violence against refugees. As of late evening local time, there was no credible information about the alleged 20 persons killed.
United Nations Civilian Police is conducting an investigation on the Atambua attack, and has identified a dozen witnesses. Their statements are being collected.
Today, part of the constant dialogue between UNTAET and the Government of Indonesia, UNTAET’s Chief of Staff, N. Parameswaran, contacted Hasan Wirajuda, Director-General of Political Affairs from the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs.
SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello was in telephone contact yesterday with General Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs and was told that one TNI company was already on its way to Atambua, with additional reinforcements to follow.
UNTAET has asked that these troops be fresh and have no negative associations with Timor island. Yudhoyono said that the soldiers would be from Java.
The Indonesian representative in East Timor met with SRSG yesterday to express his condolences and said that he will be assisting in the repatriation of those Indonesian nationals who have been evacuated to East Timor.
SRSG said to the representative that the violence and death in Atambua confirms UNTAET’s constant message that the militias present as much of a danger to Indonesia as to East Timor and that they must be brought under control.
