[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 37 (Monday, September 20, 1999)]
[Pages 1755-1756]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Departure for the Federal Emergency Management Agency 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.

East Timor

    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 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.

Wedgewood Baptist Church Attack

    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?

[[Page 1756]]

    The President. Yes. Yes.

Note: The President spoke at 1:40 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the 
White House. 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.