    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 16, 1999]
    [Pages 1546-1547]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on East Timor and the Shootings at Wedgewood Baptist Church and
    an Exchange With Reporters
    September 16, 1999

        The President. Before I depart for the FEMA operations center, I'd
    like to say just a few words about East Timor and the terrible murders
    in Texas last night.
        First, I'm pleased that the U.N. Security Council has approved the
    creation of a multinational force to be led by Australia, to deploy as
    soon as possible to end violence, restore order, and support the results
    of the August 30 referendum, where the people of East Timor voted
    overwhelmingly for independence.
        After consulting closely with Congress and with the Government of
    Australia on the best way for the United States to support this
    operation, and on the recommendation of Secretary Cohen and my national security team, I have decided to
    contribute to the force in a limited but essential way, including
    communications and logistical aid, intelligence, air lifts of personnel

    [[Page 1547]]

    and material, and coordination of the humanitarian response to the
    tragedy.
        We will deploy about 200 people, about half of whom will serve on
    the ground in East Timor. In addition, elements of the Pacific Fleet
    will provide support. I am especially encouraged that Asian nations will
    be taking the primary responsibility. The overall force will contain
    about 7,500 people, roughly half will be Australian, and I understand
    that Thailand and many other Asian nations will contribute, as well as
    governments from outside the region.
        This mission is in America's interest for several reasons.
    Indonesia's future is important to us, not only because of its resources
    and its sea lanes but for its potential as a leader in the region and
    the world. It is the fourth most populous nation in the world; the
    largest Muslim nation in the world. All Asians and Americans have an
    interest in a stable, democratic, prosperous Indonesia.
        Our fundamental values are also at stake in East Timor. The election
    on August 30th was conducted fairly, under the leadership of the U.N.,
    with the agreement of the Indonesian Government. It produced a clear
    mandate for independence. The violence since is abhorrent to all of us
    who care about human dignity and democracy.
        Of course, on any mission like this, there are dangers and risks of
    casualties. There remains a great deal of work ahead, but this force is
    well equipped for the job, and it is a job that is in the interests of
    peace and stability.
        Last night, in the Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, during a
    prayer service for teenagers, a gunman
    killed seven worshipers, wounded seven others and killed himself. Yet
    again, we have seen a sanctuary violated by gun violence, taking
    children brimming with faith and promise and hope before their time. Our
    Nation's support and prayers are with the families of the victims, those
    still suffering in the hospital, and the entire Fort Worth community.
        Federal law enforcement officials are now working with State
    officials and local authorities to find all the answers. But we know we
    have to redouble our efforts to protect our children. We know we have to
    act as if it were our own children being targeted by gun violence.
        We know that there is nothing we can do to assure that this will
    never happen, but there is a lot more we can do to assure that it will
    happen more rarely. And I can only hope that the shock of this event
    will spur that kind of action.
        Thank you very much.

    Consultation With Congressional Leaders on East Timor

        Q. Mr. President, did you consult the leaders? You say you consulted
    the leaders on the force, this very small force?
        The President. Yes. Yes.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:40 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House prior to departure for the Federal Emergency Management
    Agency. In his remarks, he referred to Larry Gene Ashbrook, gunman who
    attacked a prayer group at Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX,
    on September 15.