[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 36 (Monday, September 11, 2000)]
[Page 2012]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Death of International Aid Workers
in West Timor

September 6, 2000

    I was deeply saddened to learn today of the death of three dedicated 
international aid workers, including an American citizen, Mr. Carlos 
Caseras. Mr. Caseras and his colleagues were employees of the United 
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees working on an international 
humanitarian effort in West Timor. They were killed, and several of 
their co-workers were injured by local militias who have been on a 
rampage of violence in West Timor. The United States has repeatedly 
called on the Indonesian Government to take the necessary actions to 
disarm and disband these militias. Only such steps will create a 
security environment that enables provision of humanitarian assistance, 
resolution of the refugee problem, and a return to peace in Timor.
    This tragedy gives added urgency to the Indonesian Government's 
obligation to turn words into actions on Timor. The Government of 
Indonesia must live up to its commitments to restore order and to ensure 
the safety and welfare of all refugees and foreign nationals.
    I want to extend my personal condolences and that of all Americans 
to Carlos Caseras's family and to the families of the other victims.