via LUSA
10 May 1999
"It is absolutely imperative that the Indonesian armed forces oversee the disarmament of (anti-independence) militia groups and supporters of independence", Downer stated Monday after being briefed on the latest violent clashes in the East Timor capital.
Those responsible for the violence "must be held accountable" for their crimes, Downer said. The Indonesian authorities are responsible for protecting all people in East Timor, he added, mentioning reports that Australian jouranlists in Dili had been threatened with violence.