(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 7 September 1999 IFJ letter to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan calling for intervention by an international peace-keeping body in defence of peace and democracy in East Timor: Kofi Annan Secretary General The United Nations UN Plaza, New York, New York September 7th 1999 Dear Secretary General, International Action […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 7 September 1999 IFJ letter to United
Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan calling for intervention by an
international peace-keeping body in defence of peace and democracy in East
Timor:
Kofi Annan
Secretary General
The United Nations
UN Plaza,
New York, New York September 7th 1999
Dear Secretary General,
International Action to Defend Civil and Political Rights in East Timor
On behalf of the International Federation of Journalists, the world’s
largest organisation of journalists, I appeal to the United Nations to take
swift action to authorise intervention by an international peace-keeping
body in defence of peace and democracy in East Timor.
In the past few days we have witnessed appalling attacks on the civil
population, including many local and international journalists. Some weeks
ago the IFJ, in co-operation with the Indonesian-based Alliance of
Independent Journalists and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance in
Australia, opened a Safety Office for Media in East Timor in Dili. That
office was ransacked over the weekend and we have had to take action to
secure the safety of our staff members.
Meanwhile, there are many reported attacks of murder, violence and
intimidation against the people of East Timor in defiance of the clear
popular vote for independence for the country. The situation is so grave
that it requires urgent intervention on the part of the international
community.
We ask you to respond immediately to this crisis. East Timor requires a
period of calm and the presence of democratic structures, including the
functioning of free media and the exercise of independent journalism in
order to create the framework for long term peace and stability.
Yours Sincerely,
AIDAN WHITE
General Secretary
Recommended Action
Similar appeals can be sent to:
Appeals To
Kofi Annan
Secretary General
The United Nations
UN Plaza,
New York, New York
Fax: +1 212 963 7055
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
