Briefing Summary for Friday, 13 August 1999 Deputy Spokesman Hiro Ueki reminded correspondents that the tripartite senior officials’ meeting is continuing today in Jakarta. A press conference is planned for 4:30 p.m. this afternoon by both the Indonesian and Portuguese delegations and Ambassador Jamsheed Marker, the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General.
Tomorrow marks the start of the political campaign period. In Dili, the United Front for East Timor Autonomy is expected to hold a rally at the Merdeka field in Comoro village starting at 9:00 a.m. The CNRT has notified UNAMET’s Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Jeff Fischer, that they have named seven representatives to sit on the regional campaign coordination committees. Those seven regions are Dili, Ambino, Suai, Baucau, Viqueque, Los Palos and Maliana. The CNRT office in Suai is expected to open this morning.
Yesterday, the regional campaign coordination committee met in Ermera when they agreed to start their political campaign on 18 August. From that day on, there will be alternative campaigning at various locations.
A correspondent asked if there were any statistics, since UNAMET started its operations, on how many people have been threatened or intimidated and reports of such incidents by UNAMET to the Indonesian police. Mr. Ueki said that that information was not readily available.
He said, the Secretary-General in his report indicated that there has been some improvement in the eastern region and continuing problems persisted in the west. Whenever UNAMET witnesses acts of intimidation or threats, he said, they immediately notify the Indonesian police to investigate and take necessary action.
A correspondent asked if it was possible to get statistics on how many people have been injured or killed. The Deputy Spokesman said he would check to get the latest data UNAMET has compiled.
A correspondent asked if UNAMET had any reaction to the newly-appointed Indonesian Army Commander in Dili. Mr. Ueki said UNAMET was not in a position to comment on the rotation or replacement of Indonesian officials.
