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Secure More ASEAN Troops For The East Timor Peacekeeping Force Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the need for more ASEAN troops for the peacekeeping in East Timor. 17 September 1999 | |||||||
| It is unfortunate that after the 30 August 1999 referendum in East Timor, anarchy reins. 78.5% of the people have voted for independence from Indonesia. The pro-Indonesia militias perpetrate the blood bath. The Indonesian armed forces and police have been said to be involved. The UN remains helpless, unable to fulfil their promise. Indonesia has agreed to the UN peacekeepers. The details are being discussed at the UN, New York. Australia may send up to 4,000 troops. She will have to beef up her armed forces. Malaysian Government would | |
have to play a more active part in securing more ASEAN troops for the task. This is only logical. Further, an independent East Timor may want to join ASEAN. If ASEAN were to have the capability to provide the whole peacekeeping force, it would have been much better. Several questions remain unresolved such as the place of the militias and the Indonesian armed forces in the territory. These have to be resolved. The UN has to ensure that the East Timorese get their independence as promised. Indonesia has a responsibility to filfil this.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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