United Nations

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NEW YORK, 13 September (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan was issued by his Spokesman on 12 September:
 

 I very much welcome the decision of the Government of Indonesia, as announced earlier today by President Habibie, to accept the offer of the international community to assist it in restoring peace and security in East Timor.  I appreciate that it was a difficult decision.

 I look forward to the imminent arrival of Indonesian Foreign Minister Alatas in New York to urgently finalize the details of the arrangements so that the Security Council can take rapid action, and the uncertainty and suffering of the East Timorese people will not be prolonged.

 In the meantime, until the arrival of international forces under a United Nations mandate, I expect the Indonesian authorities in East Timor and the Government of Indonesia, at all levels, to do their utmost to maintain order and security in East Timor in accordance with international norms and standards for which they remain responsible under the 5 May Agreements.

 I am confident that, through this cooperation between the Government of Indonesia and the United Nations, the desire of the East Timorese people to become independent, so clearly expressed at the popular consultation on 30 August, will be realized.

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