    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 11, 2000]
    [Page 237]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Peacekeeping Efforts in East Timor
    February 11, 2000

        Over the last several months, the United States has worked with our
    partners in Southeast Asia to help East Timor in its transition to
    independence and peace. I am proud we were able to support the efforts
    of the Australian-led INTERFET force, which has brought security and
    hope to East Timor. With its mission accomplished, INTERFET is now
    handing responsibility to a U.N. peacekeeping mission, through which the
    countries of the region will once again provide the vast majority of
    troops.
        Today I am announcing that the United States will continue to
    support our friends and allies in this important endeavor. A small
    number of U.S. officers will serve as observers in the U.N. mission. As
    part of their normal exercises, other U.S. personnel will contribute to
    humanitarian efforts, such as rebuilding schools and restoring medical
    services. These efforts will complement our financial contributions to
    the peacekeeping operation, as well as humanitarian and development
    assistance to East Timor that will total over $70 million this year. We
    will also continue to stand by Indonesia as it continues its hopeful
    democratic transformation.
        In this way, we will contribute to the birth of two new democracies
    in a region where freedom and tolerance are taking root. And we will
    bolster the ability and willingness of the countries in that region to
    take the lead in building peace.

    Note: The related memorandum of February 10 on U.S. military activities
    in East Timor is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.