The United Nations and East Timor:
A Chronology
1960
The United Nations General Assembly adds "Timor and dependencies" to the list of non-self-governing territories to which the provisions of Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter apply. Chapter XI --the "Declaration Regarding Non-Self-Governing Territories"--requires countries administering such territories to promote the well-being of their inhabitants and, among other things, "to develop self-government and take due account of the political aspirations" of their peoples. Portugal maintains, however, that Timor and the other Portuguese-administered territories listed by the Assembly are overseas provinces of Portugal, and that it has no obligations regarding these territories under Chapter XI.
1974
Following a change of Government, Portugal acknowledges the applicability of the Charter provisions regarding non-self-governing territories and the right of the colonial territories under its administration, including East Timor, to self-determination, including independence.
1975
After violent clashes erupt between groups favouring independence and those favouring integration into Indonesia, Portugal withdraws its administration, saying that it cannot control the situation. In December, Indonesian troops land in East Timor and pro-Indonesian parties declare establishment of a "provisional government of East Timor." Later that month, both the Security Council and the General Assembly urge all States to respect East Timor's territorial integrity and inalienable right of its people to self-determination. They also call on Indonesia to withdraw its forces from the territory.
1976
The Security Council reiterates its call for Indonesia's withdrawal. The General Assembly reaffirms the right of East Timor's people to self-determination, a principle which it re-states yearly at its annual session.
1982
The UN Secretary-General begins informal consultations with the Governments of Indonesia and Portugal aimed at improving the humanitarian situation in the territory and at achieving a comprehensive solution to the problem. The General Assembly requests the Secretary-General to initiate consultations with all parties towards a comprehensive settlement.
1983
The Secretary-General begins the first of a series of tripartite talks involving Indonesia and Portugal, as well as consultations with Timorese representatives, regularly informing the General Assembly of developments.
1995
The Secretary-General initiates a process to promote a dialogue among East Timorese which provides a forum for East Timorese of all shades of political opinion to explore ideas for improving the situation. The first talks, dubbed the All-inclusive Intra-East-Timorese Dialogue (AIETD), supported by the Government of Austria, take place in that country. Proposals emerging from the meetings are considered by the tripartite talks conducted by the Secretary-General with Indonesia and Portugal. Annual meetings of the AIETD take place from 1995 to 1998.
1998
The UN Commission on Human Rights considers the human rights situation in the territory. In April, its chairman issues a statement in which the Commission expresses its continued deep concern over reports of human rights violations, but also welcomes positive developments, including continued cooperation by the Government of Indonesia in questions concerning the human rights situation in East Timor.
In June, Indonesia's President B.J. Habibie proposes autonomy for East Timor on condition that the territory accepts integration into Indonesia. The proposal is rejected by East Timorese resistance leaders.
In August, following talks in New York between Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Portugal, agreement is reached to hold in-depth discussions on Indonesia's proposals for a special status based on a wide ranging autonomy for East Timor. The Ministers agree to involve the East Timorese more closely in the search for a solution and note positive developments. They cite, in particular, the Indonesian Government's intention gradually to reduce the level of its military presence in East Timor and to expedite the release of the East Timorese political prisoners.
In October, the UN submits to the parties a proposal which could serve as a blueprint of self-administration in East Timor--either for a permanent or transitional autonomy. In subsequent talks, the proposal is refined and enriched through consultations with East Timorese leaders.
In November, following reports of rising tensions and casualties among civilians in certain areas of East Timor, the Secretary-General issues a statement again underlining the need for stability and peace in the territory. He calls for an end to military operations by all sides and for respect for the safety and security of unarmed civilians. The Secretary-General and his Personal Representative (PRSG) for East Timor, Ambassador Jamsheed Marker, maintain contact with all parties and the Secretariat continues efforts to establish the facts concerning the violence.
1999
27 January
President Habibie indicates in a public statement that his government might be prepared to consider independence for East Timor.
28 January
Talks begin in New York between the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, Jamsheed Marker, and the Directors-General of the Indoensian and Portuguese Foreign Ministries
8 February
After several days of talks in New York between the PRSG Marker and the Directors-General of the Foreign Ministries of Indonesia and Portugal, understanding is reached on a number of major issues on the autonomy proposal. Further consultation with capitals is needed.
11 February
Secretary-General Annan welcomes the transfer of East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao from prison to house detention. The Secretary-General's spokesman says it is hoped that Gusmao's transfer will enable him to participate actively in the discussion about East Timor's future.
11 March
At ministerial-level tripartite talks in New York, agreement is reached on use of a direct ballot to consult East Timor's people about whether they accept or reject the autonomy proposal. At a joint press conference with the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Portugal, the Secretary-General expresses the continued concern of all the parties regarding the situation in East Timor, but he welcomes the positive steps to promote dialogue and reconciliation among East Timorese.
8 April
As reports of killings in the East Timor town of Liquica emerge, the Secretary-General and his Personal Representative undertake contacts with top Indonesian and Portuguese officials. The UN spokesman says Indonesia has responded positively to the UN's suggestion that an impartial inquiry be undertaken to establish the facts surrounding the killings.
21 April
Secretary-General Annan welcomes the signing of an agreement, initiated by Indonesia's national Human Rights Commission, which commits all the parties in East Timor--including the armed forces as well as pro-integration pro-independence groups--to end violence in the territory. The agreement creates a Commission on Peace and Stability for East Timor, comprised of representatives of pro-independence and pro-integration groups, local authorities, local police commands and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI).
23 April
Ministerial-level talks in New York conclude with agreement on a settlement of the East Timor question involving a popular consultation on Timorese acceptance or rejection of the proposal for autonomy within Indonesia. Signing of the agreement is set for 5 May, allowing the Indonesian Foreign Minister to secure final approval of Government authorities in Jakarta. At a joint press conference with the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Portugal, the Secretary-General welcomes the Indonesian Government's reaffirmation that it will effectively carry out its responsibility for law and order and the protection of civilians. He also underlines the responsibility of all the parties that signed the agreement creating the Commission on Peace and Stability in East Timor this week to end the violence to fulfil their obligations without delay.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas says that Indonesia "will indeed assume our responsibility to make sure that a conducive situation will be existing in East Timor" towards the implementation of the agreements. He adds that the Indonesian military and police "are determined to take their responsibility to keep law and order and peace and tranquility in East Timor".
4 May
The Secretary-General dispatches an assessment team to East Timor to evaluate the political and security situation on the ground and to discuss with the Indonesian authorities the facilities available in Dili and elsewhere for the establishment of a UN mission. The information gathered is to enable the Secretariat to draw up a detailed operational plan for the consultation.
5 May
The "5 May Agreements"a main agreement and two supplementary agreements on security arrangements for the peaceful implementation of the popular consultation and on the modalities for the consultation are signed in New York.
The Secretary-General stresses that the Secretariat is determined to ensure that the popular consultation "is free, fair and thorough". Noting that, under the agreement "security in East Timor is the responsibility of the Indonesian Government," he welcomes the assurances given by President Habibie that his Government will fulfil effectively its responsibility for law and order and the protection of all civilians. The Secretary-General nonetheless expresses his grave concern about the recent increase in violence in East Timor and urges "all elements and political tendencies in East Timor to refrain from any resort to force and to cooperate with the United Nations"
7 May
The Security Council adopts resolution 1236 (1999) welcoming the 5 May Agreements. The resolution stresses the Indonesian Government's responsibility to ensure the safety and security of international staff and observers in East Timor, and to maintain peace and security in the territory.
25 May General Assembly authorizes $35 million to cover the initial requirements of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET).
1 June
On arrival at Dili airport, the newly-appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in East Timor, Ian Martin, says that the role of the UN in East Timor is to make sure that its people can choose their future after a fair campaign, in a secret ballot. He emphasizes that the UN is "entirely neutral regarding the choice which the people of East Timor will be making" and that the UN neither supported the proposal for autonomy within Indonesia, nor its rejection. He adds that "an end to all violence is essential for a fair campaign and ballot" and appeals for an immediate end to violence and intimidation.
11 June
The Security Council formally establishes UNAMET through the end of August. In resolution 1246 (1999) adopted unanimously, the Council endorses the Secretary-General's proposal for a mission including up to 280 civilian police officers to advise the Indonesian Police, as well as 50 military liaison officers to maintain contact with the Indonesian Armed Forces. The Council stresses again the responsibility of the Indonesian Government in the maintenance of peace and security in East Timor to ensure the integrity of the ballot and the security of international staff and observers.
14 June
UNAMET's Police Commissioner, Alan Mills, arrives in Dili. The Mission's public information campaign is launched to explain to East Timor's people the process and issues involved in the popular consultation. Before the vote, UNAMET will produce in and distribute over 700,000 pieces of printed voter education material in four languages, as well as radio programmes, video and audiotapes for broadcast to East Timor's people.
16 June
In a press statement, members of the Security Council call on the parties in East Timor to allow the vote on the territory's future to go ahead peacefully and in an atmosphere free of intimidation and violence. In the statement, the Council members note that responsibility for creating a secure environment in East Timor is the responsibility of the Indonesian Government. The Council expresses appreciation for the steps taken by Indonesia to ensure security for the ballot, but notes with concern that much remained to be done to allow for a credible and fair consultation.
In a videotaped message to the people of East Timor, Secretary-General Annan urges all sides to show restraint and tolerance and calls for a halt to violence. He stresses that the UN will conduct the consultation in a completely impartial manner, and that an independent Electoral Commission will monitor the UN mission's electoral activities.
17 June
The Secretary-General submits to the General Assembly a revised budget for UNAMET totalling some $52.5 million. The figure reflects the cost of including 50 military liaison officers and up to 280 civilian police among the 4,000 international and local staff needed, as well as 400 UN Volunteers.
18 June
At a press conference in Dili, SRSG Martin says that continuing violence has forced tens of thousands of East Timorese from their homes, creating a "serious obstacle" to preparations for the vote on the future of the territory. He also expresses concern over mounting evidence that campaigning by pro-autonomy groups has been supported by public funds and by public officials. UNAMET's concerns are conveyed to the Indonesian Task Force working with the UN mission. On a more positive note, Martin says there are real signs of progress in reconciliation talks sponsored by the Indonesian Commission on Peace and Stability between pro-independence and pro-autonomy leaders.
21 June
The first contingent of UN civilian police arrive in Dili. The 41 police observers are the first of 280 who will advise Indonesian police in accordance with the 5 May Agreements.
23 June
Secretary-General Annan decides to delay the East Timor vote by two weeks, citing unabated violence and logistical problems. Reporting to the Security Council, the Secretary-General says that security conditions and the lack of a level playing field do not allow for the consultation process to go forward. Registration is delayed to 13 July to allow time for the deployment of UN staff throughout the territory and to give Indonesian authorities time to address the pending security concerns.
24 June
PRSG Marker arrives in Dili for meetings with security officials and UN personnel following discussions with senior Indonesian leaders about violence in the territory. The appointment of Brigadier Rezaqul Haider as UNAMET's Chief Military Liaison Officer is announced.
30 June
SRSG Martin and PRSG Marker press Indonesian authorities in Dili and Jakarta over serious militia attacks over several days at the end of June and into July--on the UNAMET regional office in Maliana, on a humanitarian convoy accompanied by a UNAMET humanitarian affairs officer and a local representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)--and threats against UNAMET staff in Viqueque. The authorities express regret over the incidents and pledge assistance to UNAMET.
2 July
Despite the attacks PRSG Marker says he remains optimistic that the security situation will improve enough to allow the vote to go forward. He tells a news conference in Sydney that he is satisfied by the assurances of Indonesian authorities that additional security personnel will be deployed in East Timor and that the separation of the military from control over the police will improve the situation.
6 July
Following the attacks on UN personnel, Security Council members demand an immediate halt to the violence and intimidation carried out by militia in the territory.
In a press statement, Council President Hasmy Agam of Malaysia stresses once again Indonesia's responsibility to maintain peace and security in East Timor. The Council calls on Indonesian authorities to investigate the matter and bring to justice those responsible for recent attacks on the UNAMET.
8 July
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, says she is deeply worried at recent attacks by armed militias on UN personnel in East Timor and the negative effects the violence could have on the right of the East Timorese to decide their future. Ms. Robinson says the Indonesian authorities must make good on their pledge to investigate the attacks and bring to justice those responsible."
12 July
Secretary-General Annan postpones the start of voter registration for three days to allow time for the Indonesian government to resolve the remaining security problems. In a letter to the Security Council, the Secretary-General says that in rescheduling the launch of registration to 16 July he has to weigh his determination to move ahead against the conditions prevailing on the ground. "It is essential that steps be taken to ensure that the people of East Timor are able to participate in safety and free of intimidation in the popular consultation." The Secretary-General notes that despite some improvements in the capital, Dili, in East Timor as a whole and especially in western districts the security situation remained "serious". He stresses his belief that the Indonesian authorities have the capacity to take meaningful steps quickly that will allow the operational phases of the consultation process to proceed.
Meanwhile in East Timor, the Secretary-General's representatives in the
territory meet with senior Indonesian officials concerned with the upcoming ballot. Indonesian Foreign Minister Alatas tells UNAMET officials that a number of people are being investigated by the Indonesian authorities for their alleged involvement in the recent incidents in Maliana and Liquica and that action will be taken to prevent illegal roadblocks.
16 July
Voter registration begins. UNAMET's spokesman describes the turnout as good, although four registration centers are closed because of an incident between local people and militia the previous day. Indonesian police are investigating the incident.
In a press statement, the Security Council expresses full support for Secretary-General Annan's decision to start registration. The statement also stresses the Council's view that the Government of Indonesia is responsible for maintaining security in East Timor and welcomes the high-level visit by members of the Indonesian Cabinet to Dili, as well as the Indonesian Government's reaffirmation of its commitment to implement fully the Agreements on East Timor.
At UN Headquarters in New York, senior Indonesian and Portuguese officials conclude discussions on security, peace and reconciliation efforts and post ballot issues.
19 July
UNAMET reports a better than expected turnout as thousands of people in East Timor register to vote. All registration centres are open except one.
21 July
The Secretary-General reports to the Security Council that voter registration in East Timor is proceeding relatively peacefully. No more attacks or serious threats against UN staff are reported. Serious efforts by Indonesian authorities to provide security have contributed to this positive trend, according to the Secretary-General, although he also notes that armed civilian groups continue to challenge security. He cites the plight of thousands of East Timorese forcibly relocated or intimidated into fleeing their homes, as another concern. UNAMET is developing plans to help these people participate in the ballot.
22 July
With 200 registration sites open, UNAMET says it is pleased with the number of people registering to vote. At a press briefing in Dili, UNAMET's Chief Electoral Officer, Jeff Fischer, describes the response of East Timorese as "robust".
27 July
UNAMET reports registering 239,893 East Timorese in the first 10 days of the process. Despite persistent security concerns, Secretary-General Annan informs the Security Council that the registration process will continue. The Secretary-General says overall security conditions in East Timor "remain inadequate" although there are some signs of improvement, due partly to Indonesia's greater cooperation with UNAMET. He says that in the face of continuing intimidation, the people of East Timor show "laudable determination" to participate in the popular consultation. He adds that his decision to continue the registration is made "on the understanding that the Indonesian authorities will work with UNAMET to achieve the further necessary improvements in the security situation and urgently address the problem of internal displacement."
28 July
After consultations with Indonesia and Portugal, Secretary-General Kofi Annan decides to again change the date for the ballot on East Timor's future to 30 August.
2 August
With three days left in the registration period, UNAMET reports that as of the end of July, more than 378,000 of the estimated 400,000 eligible voters have registered to vote.
9 August
Supporters and opponents of the autonomy proposal for East Timor sign a Code of Conduct for the campaign period leading up to the ballot on 30 August. SRSG Ian Martin notes that the Code provides for both sides to campaign freely without disruption or obstruction and commits campaigners to avoid inflammatory or defamatory language. The United Front for East Timor Autonomy (UNIF) and the National Council of the Timorese Resistance (CNRT) sign the document in the presence of Bishop Belo, Ambassador Tarmidzi, Chairman of the Indonesian Task Force responsible for liaising with UNAMET, as well as the heads of the Portuguese and Indonesian observer missions.
UNAMET reports that more than 446,000 voters have registered in and outside East Timor.
10 August
The Secretary-General proposes a restructuring of UNAMET for the interim period between the end of the popular consultation and implementation of the voting results. In a report to the Security Council, the Secretary-General says that whatever the outcome of the autonomy vote, UN efforts must be "redoubled" to build confidence and support stability in the territory and "reassure all groups, in particular those who were in the minority in the ballot, that they have a role to play in the future political life of East Timor."
14 August
Campaigning for the popular consultation begins. Launching the campaign phase, SRSG Ian Martin thanks supporters of both sides for their agreement and commitment to the campaign code of conduct.
16 August
PRSG Marker reports that security in East Timor has improved and that Indonesian and local political leaders are committed to conducting the upcoming ballot on the territory's future in an atmosphere of peace. At a press conference in Dili, Marker reports definite signs of improvement in the security situation in various parts of East Timor. "The atmosphere and climate was much better than I have known it before," he says. He also notes the continuing presence of disturbing elements, however.
17 August
The Director of the Electoral Division in the UN Department of Political Affairs in New York, Carina Perilli, tells a press conference that 451,792 voters in and outside of East Timor have registered for the vote. She says the final figure far exceeds not only UN expectations, but those of most observers of the East Timor question as well. She also notes agreement on a code of conduct governing the activities of the 1,371 international and local observers officially accredited so far. Fifty Indonesian and fifty Portuguese official observers are also to monitor the vote.
18 August
In response to an upsurge in militia activity, SRSG Martin, Ambassador Agus Tarmidzi, Chairman of the Indonesian Task Force, and senior Indonesian police officials visit Viqueque, Suai and Maliana, where they discuss additional security measures with local police, military and administration. UNAMET also continues its campaign to collect weapons from militia members, willing to surrender them voluntarily.
19 August
After visiting the three sites where pro-integration militia and pro- independence supporters recently clashed, SRSG Martin tells a press conference that he has called for the removal of Indonesian army officers who have been associated with militia activities as one indication that Jakarta was applying its policies on the ground. He says that UNAMET has "repeatedly given to different levels of the chain of command the names of serving officers who are clearly--not only supportive of--but also engaged in militia activities," and that UNAMET expected "action to prevent them from continuing such activities."
Meanwhile,East Timorese leaders from pro-independence and pro-autonomy groups agree to establish a 25-person commission to foster reconciliation and cooperation in the territory until the results of the UN-run autonomy ballot are implemented. Members are to be nominated by each side and appointed by the Secretary-General.
20 August
Violence mars campaigning in East Timor as pro-integration militia harass people attending a pro-independence rally and military liaison officers serving with UNAMET. A local CNRT office is also attacked. Indonesian authorities assure UNAMET that they will try to create a secure environment.
23 August
Militia activity in East Timor continues in an apparent effort to intimidate local people and move them out. UNAMET reports, however, that many locals have gone to register despite the insecure situation.
24 August
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast briefs the Security Council on East Timor, reviewing the unsettling security situation. He notes, however, that the incidents of violence are a sharp contrast to an encouraging degree of cooperation between the pro-independence and pro-autonomy political leaderships. Notwithstanding the security situation, he says that the political leadership of all East Timorese groups and the parties to the 5 May agreements have been unanimous in their wish that the consultation process to proceed. He reports that East Timor's people have registered to vote in great numbers, indicating their determination not to be deterred by the intimidation.
Members of the Security Council express strong concern at the continuing campaign of intimidation and violence in East Timor and call on the parties to fulfil their commitments to disarm and store their weapons. In a press statement, Council President Ambassador Martin Andjaba of Namibia says the members welcome the steps taken by the Indonesian Government to address the security situation. They also welcome the successful completion of the registration process, and highlight the importance of the ballot proceeding as planned.
25 August
The UN intensifies preparations for the ballot. An additional 50 UN Volunteers as polling supervisors are deployed, bringing the total number of UN Volunteers to 460--including medical staff--for polling day. 850 polling stations at 200 polling centres are planned, with UNAMET hiring more than 3,000 locals to assist in polling activities. UNAMET announces that over 1,600 independent observers have also been accredited.
In light of an escalation of violence and intimidation, UNAMET's Civil Police raise the need for additional security measures with the Indonesian police,who give assurances that they will increase their presence and patrol certain routes to ensure free movement of voters.
A large pro-independence rally takes place in Dili without incident. A pro-autonomy rally is scheduled for the following day. The rallies close the electoral campaign in Dili to be followed by a two-day "cooling off period".
26 August
Violent clashes take place in Dili between opponents and supporters of the autonomy proposal. The Secretary-General and members of the Security Council call for Indonesian authorities to assert control over the security situation in East Timor. The Secretary-General also expresses the determination of the UN to fulfil its responsibilities to the people of East Timor and not to be deterred by threats and intimidation from "lawless elements." The Council President tells reporters that the members "strongly support" the Secretary-General's intention to proceed with the ballot.
SRSG Martin, tells a press conference that the UN intends to proceed with the vote despite the recent spate of deadly violence in Dili. In New York, Indonesia's representative in New York, in a meeting of the Security Council, pledges his country's commitment to ensuring that there is a safe environment, as called for in the 5 May agreements.
The Security Council extends UNAMET's mandate until 30 November. In a unanimous vote, the Council adopts resolution 126 (1999), endorsing the Secretary-General's proposal to restructure the UN Mission in East Timor for the interim phase after the 30 August vote. Council President Martin Andjaba (Namibia) stresses that the East Timorese have a unique opportunity to decide their own future. "Whatever the outcome of the consultation, members of the Security Council strongly hope that the people of East Timor will respect that decision and work together to build a peaceful and prosperous future," he says.
27 August
UNAMET facilitates an historic meeting between the pro-independence fighters of FALINTIL and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) at the main FALINTIL cantonment site in East Timor. The two sides agree that as of 28 August, the TNI will call upon the Indonesian police to arrest anyone carrying a weapon outside a PPI or FALINTIL cantonment site. They also agree that representatives of FALINTIL, the pro-integration movement (PPI) and TNI will meet to discuss cantonment, laying down of arms and possible disarmament.
29 August
The Secretary-General issues an appeal to the people of East Timor, calling on all sides to "live up to their responsibilities before history".
30 August
UNAMET announces that at least 95 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots in the popular consultation; a total of more than 430,000. The voting is generally peaceful, although incidents at seven polling stations cause them to be closed for periods from 30 minutes to three hours. The polling is marred at the end of the day by the fatal stabbing of a local UN staff member after the polls closed. Secretary-General Annan describes the vote as an expression by the East Timorese of "their will as to their future." He appeals to all East Timorese groups to exercise the utmost restraint and patience in the post-balloting period.
31 August
Members of the East Timorese Consultative Commission meet for the first time. The group is composed of ten members each from the pro-independence and pro-autonomy camps, as well as five members appointed by the UN Secretary-General.
1 September
Violence erupts outside the UNAMET compound in Dili as militia members attack pro-independence supporters. Journalists witnessing the incidents seek refuge at UNAMET headquarters, along with several hundred internally displaced persons. Indonesian Police dispatch an armed patrol to secure the UNAMET perimeter.
In New York the Secretary-General condemns the violence. He calls on the Indonesian police to arrest those responsible and to take immediate steps to ensure it does not happen again. In a statement through his spokesman, the Secretary-General urges the Indonesian authorities to take firm action to control armed groups and reminds them of their responsibility to protect all UNAMET staff, both international and local.
The Security Council welcomes the smooth conduct of the balloting but condemns in the strongest terms the violence in Dili following the vote. Council members also demand that the Indonesian Government take "immediate steps" to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, in compliance with its responsibility.
Meanwhile, UNAMET personnel continue with the job of reconciling the number of ballots cast with the number of people who voted before actually beginning to count the ballots. Although UNAMET security personnel and civilian police staff the counting centre 24 hours a day.
2 September
Two local UNAMET staff members are killed as postballot violence spreads. Speaking at a press conference in Dili, SRSG Martin calls on the leaders of the pro-independence and pro-integration sides to fulfil their earlier commitments to keep their members from moving around with weapons. Mr. Martin expresses particular concern about the safety of the UN's local staff, saying that "The Indonesian authorities must recognize that the security of UN personnel extends to our local staff as much as it does to our international staff."
UNAMET starts counting ballots as the independent electoral commission begins a two-day hearing into complaints received from the United Front for East Timor Autonomy concerning alleged irregularities in the popular consultation.
3 September
In New York, the Secretary-General announces the result of the vote: 94,388 or 21.5 per cent of East Timorese voted in favour of the special autonomy proposal and 344,580 or 78.5 per cent voted against. A total of 451,792 voters in East Timor were registered for the vote.
Militia rampage through Maliana and Liquica, burning homes and attacking residents. The UN continues to press Indonesian authorities to provide adequate security for its personnel.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson expresses deep concern over reports of spiralling violence in East Timor. She says the Security Council must urgently consider the deployment of international or regional forces if the Indonesian authorities are unable to fulfil their responsibility to ensure the security of the Timorese people.
5 September
The Secretary-General intensifies his efforts to secure urgent action by Indonesia to bring the situation under control within a specifically limited time frame, or to secure Indonesia's agreement to urgent deployment of an international security force. Over the following days, he maintains contact round-the-clock with the highests levels of the Governments of Indonesia and Portugal, and of States likely to play a key role in mounting and supporting an international force.
6 September
The Secretary-General briefs the Security Council delegation preparing to leave for Indonesia on his contacts and urges its members to press the Indonesian Government for rapid results. In a statement to the press after the meeting, the Secretary-General says he has been in contact with President of the United States, the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, the President and Prime Minister of Portugal and other leaders, as well as Indonesia's President Habibie. The Secretary-General condemns the attacks on the compound of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Dili and on the residence of Bishop Belo. He also expresses outrage at the forced displacement of East Timorese.
8 September
A delegation of five members of the Security Council is dispatched to Jakarta and East Timor to discuss with the Government of Indonesia concrete steps for the peaceful implementation of the 5 May agreement. In New York, Council members back the Secretary-General's view that if the security situation in East Timor does not improve "within a very short period of time," they will have to consider further action to help the Indonesian Government resolve the present crisis in the territory.
Council members underscore Indonesia's obligation to restore security and stability, and to allow the results of the 30 August ballot to be implemented.
The UN weighs the withdrawal of its personnel from East Timor, leaving open the possibility that some staff would remain behind at UNAMET's headquarters, in the face of continued threats by rampaging militia. A total of 92 international staff remain at UNAMET headquarters with 163 local staff, 23 journalists, nine international observers and two UN medical volunteers. Some 2,000 displaced East Timorese are also in the compound, which has had its water and power supply cut. Expressing concern over the displaced persons in the compound, as well as UNAMET's staff, the Secretary-General tells reporters he is taking taking measures to thin our UNAMET rather than withdraw completely, provided that the military around the building will continue to provide protection.
The Secretary-General tells reporters that in a series of long, overnight talks he has stressed to Indonesian President B. J. Habibie that if the Government is unable to maintain law and order, it will have to "invite and accept" international assistance to bring order to the territory. However, the Secretary-General emphasizes that any international force will require the consent of the Indonesian authorities. "The governments that I have been in touch with, who are prepared to make troops available, would all want to see Indonesian consent," the Secretary-General said. "If that is the case, then we have to bring our collective pressure to bear on the Indonesian Government to allow us to go in."
10 September
As lawlessness in the territory increases and militia members threaten to invade the UN compound in Dili, the Secretary-General publicly urges the Indonesian Government to accept the offer of assistance from several governments, including Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Malaysia, "without further delay." If the Indonesian government refuses to do so, he tells a press conference, it cannot escape the responsibility "for what could amount, according to reports reaching us, to crimes against humanity."
Mr. Annan says he has authorized his Special Representative to move about 480 people, including 350 local staff members and their immediate dependants, from the UNAMET compound in Dili to Darwin, Australia. A skeleton crew of about 100 international UN staff remains inside.
The Secretary-General emphatically denies that the UN is abandoning the people of East Timor. "The situation has clearly got far beyond what a small mission, which was sent to organize the popular vote and never equipped or mandated to enforce law and order, can possibly be expected to cope with," he says.
Members of the Security Council express full support for the Secretary-General's statement urging the Indonesian Government to accept international assistance to restore order and security in East Timor. Council members also renew their call on the Indonesian authorities to enable the return of humanitarian agencies in safe and secure conditions.
11 September
The Security Council meets in formal session to consider the situation in East Timor. In the debate, 51 representatives of Governments take the floor, stressing the need for a multi-national force for the territory and implore Indonesia to accept the offer of international assistance. The Council delegation visits Dili for a firsthand look at the destruction in the company of Indonesian Defense Minister Wiranto.
12 September
Indonesia's President Habibie announces that his Government will accept international assistance to restore peace and security in East Timor. The Secretary-General issues a statement welcoming the decision.
13 September
Secretary-General Annan meets with Indonesian Foreign Minister Alatas at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss arrangements for an international security force for East Timor. The Secretary-General tells reporters that until a mandate for international forces is approved by the Security Council, he expects the Indonesian authorities in East Timor and the Government of Indonesia to do their utmost to maintain order and security.
After a visit to Jakarta, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson accuses the Indonesian army of orchestrating the campaign of violence in East Timor and recommends setting up an international commission of inquiry as a step towards "establishing accountability for the grave violations committed in the territory."
In Geneva, Sadako Ogata, theUN High Commissioner for Refugees, says the Indonesian Government's recent decision to allow an international security force into East Timor paves the way for a "feasible humanitarian operation."
14 September
UNAMET international and local personnel are relocated from the mission's headquarters in Dili to Darwin, Australia, along with more than 1,400 people who sought shelter in the Dili compound, Indonesian military personnel reportedly loot the UNAMET compound. A dozen staff members from UNAMET, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) remain in Dili at the Australian consulate, which has electricity and water.
The report of Security Council delegation which visited Jakarta and Dili from 8 to 12 September is released in New York. Among other actions, the report recommends that the humanitarian crisis in East Timor be given "topmost priority"; that the Security Council should welcome Indonesia's decision "to invite an international peacekeeping force to cooperate with Indonesia in restoring peace and security in East Timor, and that it "should adopt a resolution without delay to provide a framework for the implementation of that proposal".
At UN Headquarters, the Secretary-General holds talks with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Indonesia and Portugal as the Security Council begins consideration of a draft resolution authorizing an international security force for East Timor.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York reports that about three-quarters of the territory's 800,000 residents are in need of food, primary health care and shelter.
15 September
Culminating two days of round-the-clock consultations, the Security Council votes unanimously to set up a multinational force under a unified command structure "to take all necessary measures" to restore peace and security in East Timor. Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council adopts resolution 1264 (1999), which authorizes the use of force, the Council decides that the mission should be collectively deployed in East Timor until replaced by a UN peacekeeping operation. The resolution invites Secretary-General Annan to make recommendations on such an operation and for a Transitional Administration of East Timor. Calling for an immediate end to the aggression and demanding that the responsible parties be brought to justice, the Council also stresses the responsibility of the Indonesian authorities to take immediate and effective steps to ensure the safe return of refugees to East Timor.
Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, tells the press at UN Headquarters that the first troop deployments will most likely take place within a few days. Australia, as the leader of the multinational force, he says, is delighted the Security Council's resolution was unanimous and strongly-worded, as the mandate given to the mission was "unambiguous and clear-cut."